When do you disinfect equipment?

• A. After each use
• B. End of day
• C. Weekly
• D. Only after malfunction

Answer: (A)

Disinfection between patients is essential for infection control. Any equipment that touches patients or their mucous membranes can pick up germs, and cleaning it after each use reduces the chance of passing infections to the next person. Waiting until the end of the day or disinfecting only weekly leaves a window for cross-contamination, and disinfecting only after a malfunction ignores everyday exposure. In practice, wipe reusable equipment with an approved disinfectant between patients, following the product’s contact time, and ensure it’s dry and ready for the next use. Some items are single-use or require sterilization, but most tools in routine care are disinfected between patients as a standard precaution.