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Posted: 27th January 2026

Cleaning protocols cut contamination by 70 per cent

Door handles had an 80 per cent reduction in contamination levels.

Multi-practice study shows benefits of strict protocols and staff training.

A new study has revealed how veterinary practices could cut contamination by over 70 per cent.

A combination of optimised cleaning protocols, staff training and routine hygiene monitoring was found to have a significant impact on a practice’s contamination levels.

The research project saw 13 small animal practices explore the benefits of stricter measures on their practice hygiene. The practices used adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing before and after introducing structured intervention.

Practices began by testing their hygiene levels before introducing any new protocols or training.

They then provided their staff with a 45-minute hygiene training session and implemented standardised cleaning protocols. The protocols saw the removal of biofilms with a degreasing agent, a routine cleaning using a standard veterinary disinfectant cleaner, and a fogging application of a certified veterinary disinfectant.

ATP testing then was then conducted again 70 days later at 11 of the practices, and an average of 128 days later at five of the practices.

The samples were taken from the practices’ reception, consulting rooms, preparation and diagnostic areas, wards, theatres, kitchen, laboratory and staff areas.

Before the new systems had been implemented, average contamination levels were 14.7 times higher than the recommended thresholds. The new procedures saw contamination levels drop by 61 per cent in 70 days, and by 71 per cent within 128 days.

Fomite surfaces, such as door handles and keyboards, saw an 80 per cent reduction in contamination levels. Meanwhile general surfaces had a 56 per cent reduction in contamination levels.

The findings suggest that, by implementing staff training and cleaning protocols, practices can significantly reduce contamination levels and improve their practice-level infection control.

Researchers recommend that practices choose an Infection Control Champion and implement routine ATP testing. Practices should also raise awareness across their team about infection sources, transmission routes and risk management.

Team members are also recommended to implement a two-step sanitation process – comprising cleaning followed by disinfection.

Neil Forbes, who authored the study, said: “Once identified, most hygiene issues are readily addressed. Reservoirs of contamination, or indications of poor working practices, once detected, can be resolved.

“Longitudinal studies in human hospitals demonstrate that ATP reduction correlates with decreased nosocomial infection rates, ranging from 45–75% over 18 months to five years.”

The full study can be found in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Image © Parilov/Shutterstock.com

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!"

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