The spread of infections has long been a critical challenge in healthcare environments. From
perioperative suites to sterile processing departments, maintaining a clean, sterile environment
is vital to ensuring patient safety, reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and
protecting medical staff. But how can we truly break the chain of infection and ensure a safer
environment?
At PKT, we take infection prevention to the next level with advanced cleaning and disinfection
practices, emphasizing safety, compliance, and excellence. Read on to explore how our
comprehensive cleaning services can help your facility remain an infection-free zone.
The Chain of Infection and Why It Matters
The chain of infection represents the process by which diseases are transmitted. Each link in
the chain—including the pathogen, its reservoir, mode of transmission, and portal of entry—is
an opportunity for infections to spread. Healthcare environments, particularly high-risk areas
such as operating rooms and sterile processing departments, are especially prone to these
transmission pathways.
Breaking this chain is the key to effective infection prevention. One of the most reliable ways
to do this is through proper medical cleaning and disinfection, ensuring harmful
microorganisms are eliminated from surfaces and equipment.
Understanding Disinfection and Sterilization
What Is Disinfection?
Disinfection is a process that involves using chemical agents or other methods to kill or
inactivate nearly all disease-causing microorganisms. It does not achieve the same microbial
reduction as sterilization but is crucial for objects that come into contact with the skin or other
non-invasive activities. Disinfection is an essential step to prevent the spread of bacteria and
viruses in non-critical and semi-critical situations.
What Is Sterilization?
Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which are
particularly resistant to disinfection alone. It involves advanced techniques such as steam
sterilization, dry heat, or chemical sterilization. This method is critical for high-risk environments,
especially for surgical instruments or any tools that come into contact with sterile body tissues,
according to the FDA.
Types of Disinfectants and Their Uses
The choice of disinfectant depends on the organism you are targeting and the surface or
instrument being cleaned. Common types of disinfectants used in healthcare include:
● Alcohol-based solutions – Ideal for quick surface disinfection.
● Chlorine compounds – Effective against a wide range of pathogens but can corrode
certain materials.
● Hydrogen peroxide – Used for critical areas, offering a broad spectrum of antimicrobial
activity.
● Iodophors – Commonly used for their antiseptic properties on skin or equipment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each disinfectant has
specific use cases and effectiveness levels.
Levels of Disinfection
The required level of disinfection varies based on the intended use of the object:
● Critical Items (e.g., surgical instruments): Require sterilization to ensure absolute
safety.
● Semi-Critical Items (e.g., endoscopes): Require high-level disinfection.
● Non-Critical Items (e.g., stethoscopes): Require intermediate or low-level disinfection.
Proper disinfection of high-touch surfaces and meticulous adherence to cleaning protocols can
effectively break the chain of infection, leading to safer healthcare environments.
How PKT Enhances Infection Prevention
At PKT, we provide a full spectrum of cleaning and sterilization services, setting industry
benchmarks for high-level disinfection and equipment maintenance. Here's how we ensure
safety, compliance, and operational excellence in healthcare facilities:
1. Professional Sterilizer Services
Sterilizers are one of the most crucial components of an infection-free environment. Our
thorough cleaning process ensures sterilizers function efficiently and maintain the integrity of
their chamber surfaces, minimizing the risk of contamination.
2. Surgical Table Deep Cleaning
Surgical tables represent high-risk surfaces due to their repeated exposure to bodily fluids and
microorganisms. PKT uses cutting-edge Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) disinfection
methods, delivering a 6-log efficacy to eliminate pathogens and prevent infections for ultimate
patient safety.
3. Perioperative Equipment Cleaning
Our specialized cleaning services for equipment used in surgical and perioperative settings
ensure compliance with strict cleanliness standards. Each item is meticulously cleaned to meet
regulatory requirements.
4. Decontamination Room Equipment Cleaning
Critical decontamination equipment, such as instrument washers, case cart washers, and sinks,
requires precise cleaning procedures. PKT ensures these systems operate at peak efficiency
while maintaining optimal cleanliness.
5. Comprehensive Departmental Cleaning
From stainless steel rolling stock to perioperative suites, our team provides deep cleaning and
disinfection services for entire departments, ensuring full compliance with industry standards.
Breaking the Chain of Infection with Disinfection
Here’s a detailed look at how disinfection directly addresses the chain of infection:
Destroying the Reservoir
Microorganisms thrive on surfaces in healthcare settings. By meticulously cleaning and
disinfecting medical equipment and high-touch surfaces, we eliminate the reservoirs where
pathogens can grow and multiply.
Interrupting Modes of Transmission
Bacteria and viruses often spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Through
consistent disinfection of operating rooms, patient care areas, and tools, we significantly reduce
these transmission risks.
Closing the Portal of Entry
Every surface that comes into contact with patients or staff poses a potential infection risk.
Routine cleaning and disinfection create a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of pathogens
entering the body and causing infections.
Why Facilities Choose PKT
Excellence in Cleaning
We don’t just clean; we sanitize and disinfect to exceed industry expectations. Our expertise
ensures that all equipment operates efficiently while maintaining sterility and safety.
Cutting-Edge Technology
By integrating advanced technologies such as iHP disinfection, we provide unmatched
precision and effectiveness in breaking the chain of infection.
Core Values
● Safety: Protecting patients and healthcare staff is our highest priority.
● Integrity: We are transparent, accountable, and dependable.
● Excellence: We consistently deliver the highest service quality in the industry.
Safeguard Your Facility with PKT
At PKT, we believe infection-free environments are the foundation of exceptional healthcare
delivery. Whether you manage an emergency room, a sterile processing department, or an
entire hospital, our specialized cleaning and disinfection services offer results you can trust.
Contact us today to learn more about our services, schedule a consultation, and take the next
step toward unmatched cleanliness and safety.