How Dirty Are Hospital Floors? The Truth Might Shock You

By Allison Varnum

Have you ever stopped to think about what’s lurking on hospital floors? If you dwell on it for more than a few seconds, I guarantee you’ll be disgusted—I certainly was. A quick dive into research about hospital floors and pathogens left me even more horrified.

Studies have shown that hospital floors are teeming with pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as MRSA, VRE, Clostridium difficile, Candida spp., and even SARS-CoV-2. These harmful microbes don’t just stay on the floor; they easily transfer to surfaces and equipment, increasing the risk of infection for both patients and healthcare workers.

Now, think about what typically touches the hospital floor in a patient’s room. Equipment cords, telephone chargers, blood pressure cuffs, and even bed linens often make contact with the floor. Once contaminated, these items can spread dangerous pathogens directly to patients, creating an invisible but serious threat to their health.

At Turn Medical, we take infection prevention seriously. When developing the PronovaO2™ Automated Prone Therapy System, we intentionally designed it without removable parts like side rails and pads—eliminating extra components that could end up on the floor. Additionally, with the InteliDerm™ Powered Skin Protection System, disposable packs, and stowable surface components, there’s no need for linens or additional dressings. This minimizes the risk of contamination and helps protect patients from the dangers lurking beneath their beds.

Hospital floors are far dirtier than most of us realize, but with thoughtful design and infection-conscious innovation, we can reduce the risks. At Turn Medical, we’re committed to providing solutions that enhance patient safety—starting from the ground up.