Regarding no-touch decontamination, what must be done before using the device on a surface?

• A. Surfaces must be cleaned before use
• B. Surfaces do not need any prior cleaning
• C. Surfaces must be disinfected with UV light after use
• D. Surfaces must be cleaned after use only

Answer: (A)

Before using a no-touch decontamination device on a surface, the surface must be cleaned. Removing visible soil and organic matter is essential because debris can shield microorganisms from the decontaminant (whether UV energy or chemical oxidants) and interfere with uniform exposure. When a surface is clean, the decontamination process can reach microbes more effectively, increasing the likelihood that pathogens are inactivated throughout the area. No-touch devices are designed to augment cleaning, not substitute it, so pre-cleaning ensures the device can do its job properly. If a surface isn’t cleaned first, the decontamination step may be less effective, even though the device is intended to disinfect.