Sanitetsrutiner

Sanitetsrutiner are standardized hygiene routines designed to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent infection and contamination within organizations, particularly in healthcare facilities, care homes, laboratories, food service operations, and educational institutions. They guide everyday practices as well as periodic cleaning, disinfection, and waste handling. The routines cover personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, equipment sanitation, and administrative controls.

Key components include hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection schedules for surfaces and equipment, proper waste segregation and disposal, sterilization and decontamination of reusable instruments, laundry handling, and measures related to water quality and ventilation where relevant. Environmental controls, pest management, and incident reporting may also be incorporated.

Implementation typically relies on written standard operating procedures, risk assessments, training programs, checklists, and regular audits. Documentation of incidents and corrective actions supports continuous improvement and ensures compliance with national or regional regulations and guidelines from health authorities.

Benefits of sanitetsrutiner include reduced infection risk, protection of staff and service users, compliance with legal requirements, and improved operational reliability. Common challenges are resource limitations, maintaining consistent adherence, staff turnover, and keeping procedures aligned with evolving scientific guidance.

See also infection control, hygiene, sanitation standard operating procedures.