Why medical laboratory cleaning is important
If you’re managing a medical office in Salt Lake City, Provo, or anywhere across the Wasatch Front, keeping your facility clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about patient safety. Medical offices face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a hygienic environment, and understanding proper cleaning frequencies can mean the difference between a compliant facility and a health hazard.
That’s why partnering with a medical laboratories cleaning company can help ensure that your facility meets the highest hygiene standards.
Finding a reliable medical laboratories cleaning company is essential for maintaining cleanliness.
A trusted medical laboratories cleaning company ensures your facility remains compliant with health and safety standards.
For optimal cleanliness, rely on a professional medical laboratories cleaning company.
By utilizing a medical laboratories cleaning company, you can ensure compliance with health regulations and create a safe environment for both staff and patients.
The short answer? Daily cleaning is the absolute minimum, but high-touch surfaces need attention multiple times throughout the day. According to CDC guidelines, medical offices should implement risk-based cleaning schedules that account for patient volume, the types of procedures performed, and the vulnerability of patients to infection. Exam rooms require cleaning after every patient visit, while waiting areas and restrooms need disinfection several times daily.
What makes medical office cleaning different from standard commercial cleaning is the constant exposure to potentially infectious materials. From doorknobs to examination tables, every surface can harbor pathogens like MRSA, norovirus, and influenza. The CDC’s environmental cleaning procedures emphasize that cleaning frequency should be determined by three key factors: probability of contamination, vulnerability of patients to infection, and potential for exposure through high-touch versus low-touch surfaces.
Frequency Recommendations for Medical Office Cleanings
Here’s a practical checklist for medical office cleaning frequencies based on CDC and industry best practices:
Daily (Minimum):
- Waiting rooms and reception areas
- Administrative offices
- Storage rooms and hallways
- Break rooms and staff areas
Multiple Times Daily:
- Restrooms (minimum 3-4 times during operating hours)
- High-touch surfaces in waiting areas (door handles, light switches, countertops)
- Medical equipment between uses
After Each Patient Visit:
- Examination rooms and all surfaces within
- Medical instruments and equipment
- Exam tables and chairs
- Touchpoints like blood pressure cuffs and thermometers
Deep Cleaning:
- Weekly comprehensive cleaning of all areas
- Monthly deep cleaning including walls, ceilings, and hard-to-reach areas
- Quarterly professional sanitization of ventilation systems
For Utah practices dealing with seasonal flu surges or other outbreaks, you’ll need to increase cleaning frequency accordingly. Healthcare facilities in Park City and other high-altitude communities should also account for increased patient volume during ski season when respiratory illnesses tend to spike.
Which Products Are Used for Medical Laboratory Cleanings
Not all disinfectants are created equal, and medical facilities can’t just grab any cleaning product off the shelf. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that cleaning products used in medical settings must be EPA-registered and effective against bloodborne pathogens.
The EPA maintains List N, which includes disinfectants approved for healthcare use. These products contain active ingredients like quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) that are proven effective against a wide range of pathogens including COVID-19, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The CDC states surfaces should be disinfected with an EPA-registered low- or intermediate-level disinfectant. Use of a disinfectant will provide antimicrobial activity that is likely to be achieved with minimal additional cost or work.
Medical laboratories require even stricter protocols. Products must have specific contact times—typically between 1-10 minutes—to ensure pathogens are fully eliminated. Many Utah medical facilities use hospital-grade disinfectants with EPA Category 4 ratings, which are safest for use around vulnerable populations including children, elderly patients, and those with compromised immune systems.
It’s also crucial that cleaning staff follow proper dilution ratios. Concentrated cleaners that aren’t properly diluted may leave residues that can be harmful to patients, while over-diluted solutions won’t effectively kill pathogens.
What Licensing and Certifications Are Needed for Medical Office Cleanings
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance:
Medical cleaning staff must receive training on OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). This isn’t optional—it’s federal law. The training covers proper handling of potentially infectious materials, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency protocols for exposure incidents.
Professional Certifications:
While Utah doesn’t require specific state licensing for medical cleaning companies, industry certifications demonstrate competency and professionalism:
Every medical facility should consider hiring a medical laboratories cleaning company to ensure thorough sanitation.
Not all cleaning companies are the same; a dedicated medical laboratories cleaning company is key for healthcare environments.
- CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) – Comprehensive certification covering quality systems, service delivery, and health and safety protocols
- GBAC STAR – Global Biorisk Advisory Council accreditation focused on infection prevention and outbreak response
- CMIP (Certificate of Mastery in Infection Prevention) – Intensive 34-hour program covering CMS requirements for clinical environments
When selecting a medical laboratories cleaning company, verify their protocols for using EPA-approved disinfectants.
These certifications ensure cleaning companies understand CDC guidelines, proper disinfection protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements specific to healthcare settings.
Insurance and Bonding:
Medical cleaning contractors should carry appropriate liability insurance and be bonded. Given the sensitive nature of medical facilities and patient privacy concerns (HIPAA compliance), proper insurance coverage protects both the cleaning company and your practice.
When you’re choosing a cleaning partner for your Utah medical office, whether you’re in Ogden, St. George, or Logan, look for companies that prioritize ongoing training, use EPA-approved products, and understand the regulatory landscape of healthcare cleaning. Your patients deserve a clean, safe environment—and that starts with partnering with professionals who know the difference between clean and clinically clean.
When hiring a medical laboratories cleaning company, it’s important to verify their credentials and ensure they use appropriate disinfectants.
Consult with a medical laboratories cleaning company to understand their approach to infection prevention.
At Jani-Serv, we specialize in medical facility cleaning with certified staff who understand Utah’s unique healthcare environment. From small clinics to large medical centers, we deliver the expertise and reliability your practice needs.
Choosing a medical laboratories cleaning company that understands the nuances of medical environments is crucial for maintaining a healthy space.
