Table 2 Overview of all tested surfaces and objects for environmental contamination on the patient wards

Medical devices

Blood pressure monitor-control panel

Obligatory

Method 1

Blood pressure monitor-cuff

Optional

Method 1

Thermometer-handle

Optional

Method 2

Glucose meter-control panel

Obligatory

Method 1

Glucose meter-insertion opening

Optional

Method 2

Oxygen saturation meter-measuring probe

Optional

Method 2

Oxygen saturation meter-control panel

Optional

Method 1

Infusion stand

Optional

Method 2

Stethoscope-membrane

Optional

Method 2

Bladder scan-echo head

Optional

Method 2

Bladder scan-control panel

Optional

Method 1

IV pole-control panel

Optional

Method 1

Patient bound materials

Bedrails

Optional

Method 2

Pull-up bracket

Obligatory

Method 2

Patient alarm bell

Optional

Method 2

Overbed table-fixed worktop

Optional

Method 1

Overbed table-extendable worktop

Obligatory

Method 1

Closet-next to handle

Optional

Method 2

Sanitary items

Toilet-seat

Obligatory

Method 1

Toilet-bowl

Obligatory

Method 2

Toilet-support/bracket

Optional

Method 2

Toilet-flush button

Optional

Method 2

Washstand-tap control

Optional

Method 2

Shower-support bracket

Optional

Method 2

Shower-tap control

Optional

Method 2

Shower-showerhead

Optional

Method 2

Toilet seat-sitting area

Obligatory

Method 2

Bedpan cleaner-control panel

Obligatory

Method 1

Washstand-surface around faucet

Optional

Method 2

Ward bound materials

Keyboard-computer on wheels (COW)

Obligatory

Method 1

Keyboard computer-team post

Optional

Method 1

Telephone-handle

Optional

Method 2

Telephone-keyboard

Optional

Method 2

Stool

Optional

Method 1

Work surface cart

Optional

Method 1

Tabletop medication preparation

Obligatory

Method 1

Work surface team post

Optional

Method 1

Chair-seat area

Optional

Method 2

Chair-elbow rest

Optional

Method 2

Railing hallway

Optional

Method 2