SARS-CoV-2 Disinfection: Killing the Spread

View a recording of our April 29, 2020, live-streamed lab webcast. This video features answers to these key questions.

• Benefits of evaluating and updating your disinfection protocols, along with establishing COVID-19 patient containment units
• Proper staff training on cleaning and disinfection, including using an EPA-approved SARS-CoV-2 disinfectant
• Common mistakes to avoid

The presentation concludes with an informative Q&A session based on questions from hospitals around the globe.

Speakers

• Dr. Andrew Furman, Executive Director, Clinical Excellence, ECRI
• James Davis, Sr. Infection Prevention Analyst, ECRI
• Amanda Sivek, PhD, Principal Project Officer I, Device Evaluation, ECRI
• Jason Launders, Director of Operations, Device Evaluation, ECRI

Lab webcast recording

Slide presentation

SARS-CoV-2 Disinfection: Killing the Spread

ECRI is here to help

Our interdisciplinary staff is here to help you address your most challenging issues in your response to COVID-19. We have compiled free resources in the ECRI COVID-19 Resource Center. Please contact us for assistance and to learn more. 

Polling results

Recommendations

Downloadable cleaning and disinfection checklist

Complete this checklist for routine cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of specific items within suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patient rooms.

ECRI exclusive hazard report

Routine and Terminal Cleaning of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patient Rooms (4/29/2020). Accession No. H0595.

Concentrations and contact times for EPA List N

This table lists disinfectant concentrations and contact times for EPA's List N, which covers antimicrobial products effective against novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Manufacturers of reusable, noncritical medical devices and equipment may recommend the use of certain generic disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) at certain concentrations. But List N does not specify disinfectant concentrations. Our list will help you ensure you're using an effective disinfectant at a sufficient concentration and contact time to kill SARS-CoV-2.

Top 10 hazard: Cleaning fluid seeping into devices can lead to fires

Improper cleaning of electrical equipment can result in equipment malfunction, damage, or fire. This was hazard number 9 in our 2019 Top 10 Health Technology Hazards list.

Return to the ECRI COVID-19 Resource Center

* All material in this COVID-19 Resource Center, https://www.ecri.org/coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-preparedness-center/, is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved under international and Pan-American copyright conventions. However, in light of current circumstances, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ECRI will permit the ECRI content accessible from this COVID-19 Resource Center to be reproduced and shared, in whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes only. If you desire to reproduce or share content from third-party sources cited within this Center, you must first seek approval from that third-party source.