Beyond the Surface: Safety Through Effective Terminal Cleaning

How clean is clean? On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan dives deep into the crucial topic of infection prevention and terminal cleaning with experts Cassie Prather and Erika Kurili. From debunking myths about how pathogens survive on surfaces, to clarifying the difference between daily cleaning, terminal cleaning, and disinfection, our guests share strategies and best practices for keeping patient care spaces truly safe for all. You’ll hear real-world insights on EPA-approved disinfectants, contact times, high-touch surfaces, equipment challenges, and why training, clear processes, and communication matter most in biocontainment and emergency departments. Whether you’re a frontline healthcare worker, infection preventionist, or just curious about how hospitals handle dangerous pathogens, this episode breaks down what it takes to return spaces to safe operations after caring for high consequence infectious disease patients. Plus, learn how to tackle tricky equipment (like the dreaded mattress!), the role of emotional breaks for cleaning teams, and actionable steps for preparing your facility. Tune in for practical guidance and a fresh perspective on safety through effective terminal cleaning—and discover what really happens “beyond the surface” to keep patient care areas safe. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected]. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Episode Transcript Download the episode transcript (PDF). Guests Erika Kurili, MPH, CIC Senior Infection Prevention Specialist Corewell Health West Cassie Prather, MPH, CIC Infection Prevention Specialist Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources EPA's Registered List L: Disinfectants for Use Against Ebola Virus Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens Considerations for Terminal Cleaning and Decontamination of Special Pathogen Patient Care Rooms Transmission Interrupted Podcast NETEC Resource Library NETEC YouTube View episode in NETEC Resource Library About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.