6.2 The Decontamination Policy

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are examples of decontamination processes that remove or destroy contamination and thus prevent infectious agents or other contaminants from reaching a vulnerable body site in large enough quantities to cause infection or other harmful reactions.

However, none of these processes can be implemented without creating a comprehensive decontamination policy. Therefore, it is essential that all healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, health care providers, and care units, create a decontamination policy to ensure that all reusable medical items and equipment are cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized before use.

The policy must be created in consultation with the infection protection and control team and adhere to national and international guidelines. Furthermore, all relevant employees must be made aware of the policy.