What term describes the practice of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in a healthcare environment?

The term that describes the practice of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in a healthcare environment is disinfection. Disinfection specifically refers to processes that eliminate many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, from inanimate objects and surfaces. This is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

While sanitization also refers to processes that reduce the number of germs to safe levels but may not eliminate all pathogens, it does not encompass the thoroughness of disinfection. Decontamination typically refers to the overall process of making an object safe to handle and includes both cleaning and disinfection but is a broader term that can involve multiple methods. Sterilization goes a step further, aiming to kill all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is typically used for instruments and equipment rather than general surface cleaning. Therefore, disinfection accurately captures the intent and practice of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in a healthcare environment.