The role of ultraviolet marker assessments in demonstrating cleaning efficacy

Cleaning standards measuring compliance using visual auditing alone can be misleading, because visually clean surfaces might not be cleaned of pathogens. An evidence-based system using both visual auditing and ultraviolet marker (UVM) assessments is recommended. Using a UVM system has enabled our health service to measure infection risk and implement actions to improve results. We recommend adopting a combined monitoring process using visual auditing with UVM audits to enhance cleaning and reduce the risk of health care–associated infection.