An analysis of Company ABC's ambulance disinfection procedures and patient compartment cleanliness

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine overall quality of Company ABC's ambulance disinfection procedures. Company ABC's ambulances are used to transport patients between hospitals and are potential carriers for hospital acquired infections (HAIs). In order to carry out this study, four surfaces were tested within seven different ambulances. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence testing was conducted to identify gross bacterial counts on selected surfaces to determine the effectiveness of the employees' cleaning and disinfection practices. The results of the ATP testing indicated that 39% of Company ABC's tested surfaces were above the standard hospital-based benchmark of 100 relative light units (RLUs). Along with ATP testing, the author of this paper created a checklist to assess the quality of Company ABC's disinfection policies / procedures. The results of the ambulance disinfection policy / procedure assessment process indicated that Company ABC did not have adequate measures in place to ensure the cleanliness of patient compartment surfaces in order prevent the spread of potentially infectious agents.