Carpeting is more difficult to clean than nonporous hard surface flooring, and it cannot be reliably disinfected, especially after spills of blood and body substances. Studies have documented the presence of diverse microbial populations, primarily bacteria and fungi, in carpeting. Cloth furnishings pose similar contamination risks in areas of direct patient care and places whee contaminated materials are managed (eg, dental operatory, laboratory or instrument processing areas). For these reasons, use of carpeted flooring and fabric upholstered furnishings in these areas should be avoided.
Recommendation
Carpet and cloth Furnishings
1. Avoid using carpeting and cloth-upholstered furnishings in dental operatories, laboratories and instrument processing areas.