Every 5 minutes, a patient dies from a healthcare-associated infection

Surfaces transmit microbes that cause deadly infections and are a serious risk to patient safety. The Healthcare Surfaces Institute, a division of ISSA, is dedicated to stopping this hidden threat.

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Shape the Future of Healthcare Surfaces

Join us at the Healthcare Surfaces Institute Annual Summit on April 7–8, 2025, at ISSA Headquarters in Rosemont, IL.

This collaborative event brings together healthcare experts, industry leaders, scientists, regulatory representatives, and manufacturers to address surface cleanability in healthcare. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to transformative change.

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The 3 Pillars of HSI

One of the primary ways microbes move within a healthcare setting is via surfaces, yet most infection prevention strategies overlook surface safety issues beyond cleaning.

The Healthcare Surfaces Institute, a division of ISSA, is taking action to change how surfaces get designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained to reduce the spread of HAIs significantly. Our work, research, and educational outreach are focused on The 3 Pillars of HSI.

Testing & Validation

Surface Selection

Cleaning & Disinfection

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur when pathogens infect patients via contaminated surfaces

More HAI Info

people get HAIs every year

people die yearly from HAIs and many more live altered lives that require ongoing medical care

1 out of 25

patients will acquire a HAI during their hospital stay

Latest News & Work

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Strengthening Collaboration in Healthcare: A Global Imperative

In a world where infectious diseases know no borders, collaboration among healthcare providers, facilities, manufacturers, and policymakers has become not just beneficial but essential.

Feb 12, 2025

Revolutionizing Cleanability in Healthcare: The Power of Collaborative Focus Groups for Effective Solutions

Everything begins with design—whether the design of the built environment or of the products used for patient care—critical decisions made during this phase, in particular.

Oct 3, 2024

A janitorial employee is disinfecting a hospital bed

How Inconsistent IFUs Can Lead to Regulatory Fines and Patient Safety Risks

The responsibility to efficiently and effectively clean and disinfect healthcare facilities to support patient safety and reduce healthcare-acquired infections is a top priority.

Aug 7, 2024

Healthcare Surfaces Institute Merges with ISSA

ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and the Healthcare Surfaces Institute™ (HSI) are pleased to announce that HSI has merged with ISSA.

Jul 17, 2024

photo of a hospital room with dozens of arrows pointing at different surfaces

Understanding Hurdles To Successful Cleaning and Disinfection Following IFUs

There are raw material IFUs; assemblies of multiple materials on one product have individual IFUs. Now, consider the multitude of medical devices and environmental surface materials in a single room or area. It is rare for any of these IFUs to align, adding to the task’s complexity.

Apr 17, 2024

Photo of a computer showing a research survey

Participate in an HSI Research Survey on IFUs

This data will be instrumental in supporting necessary changes in the way manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) are written and enforced. Your participation will contribute to our advocacy for critical changes that enhance clarity and effectiveness in healthcare practices. Take the survey now...

Apr 16, 2024

Disinfectant Compatibility Testing Clarifies Need For Better IFUs

In many cases, equipment damage or malfunction stems from disinfectant incompatibility or misuse. Failing to adhere to IFUs regarding concentration or contact time is often to blame. However, even strict adherence to IFUs may not prevent equipment damage due to disinfectant incompatibility. This puts healthcare facilities in a difficult position.

Mar 19, 2024

Why Surface Materials Matter in Health Care Settings

A new eye-opening, peer-reviewed article in the American Society for Microbiology by HSI Executive Director Linda Lybert and HSI Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Rodney Rohde: "A healing environment can’t be achieved unless it can be effectively cleaned and disinfected. So how do we move this needle?"

Feb 1, 2024

microbiologist looking at a slide in a microscope

It’s Time to Stop Ignoring the Root Causes That Support HAIs

Looking at recent headlines, the same old news is here again – HAIs and AMR are increasing and nothing new is being done. By failing to address the root causes, we hinder effective solutions to this problem. HSI has identified these issues and we are shining a spotlight on them!

Jan 15, 2024

Beyond Disinfection: Unraveling the Complexity of HAIs and Surface Contamination

For centuries, it has been believed that cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization is the silver bullet that will reduce infection rates. Data shows an entirely different story. Join our panelists January 24, 2024 for a live discussion on multi-modal solutions to the multi-modal issues that contribute to HAIs.

Dec 27, 2023

Join the HSI Community

Whether you’re a healthcare, facilities management, or manufacturing professional, you can become part of our network to access resources and experts, influence our programs and help contribute to our mission of stopping surface-related HAIs.

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HELP US STOP SURFACE-RELATED INFECTIONS AND DEATHS

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Healthcare Surfaces Institute Newsletter

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