Source: VetSurgeon.com
New research published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice shows that consistent cleaning and staff training can reduce contamination in Veterinary practices by more than 70%. The study evaluated 13 small animal clinics using ATP surface testing before and after a 45-minute staff training session and the introduction of standardized cleaning protocols. Eleven practices were retested after 70 days, and five were retested after an average of 128 days.
Before intervention, contamination levels were nearly 15 times higher than recommended thresholds. After training and protocol implementation, contamination dropped by 61% within 70 days and by 71% within 128 days. High-touch fomite surfaces such as door handles, keyboards, and kettles showed the greatest improvement, with an 80% reduction. Researchers concluded that combining staff education, structured cleaning processes, and routine hygiene testing significantly improves infection control. The study recommends appointing an Infection Control Champion and conducting regular ATP testing.