What should be cleaned after each patient visit in examination rooms?

The table, floor, and countertop should be cleaned after each patient visit in examination rooms to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for both the next patient and staff. These surfaces often come into direct contact with animals and can harbor pathogens that pose health risks. Cleaning them properly reduces the likelihood of spreading infections and contaminants that could affect subsequent patients, facilitating a more sterile environment.

While maintaining cleanliness on shelves and footrests is important, the highest point of contact during a visit centers around where the animal is examined and the surfaces that might be contaminated during the examination process. Other areas such as windows, curtains, waiting chairs, and toys also warrant attention but are usually addressed less frequently than the examination equipment and surrounding surfaces right after each patient. Prioritizing the cleaning of the examination table, floor, and countertop directly correlates with best practices in infection control and maintaining overall health standards in veterinary settings.