The risk of an advanced bed bug infestation is low for surgery centers due to frequent bedding changes, but facilities should still take precautions to prevent bed bug introduction, according to Pest Control Technology.
Six areas with the highest risk for bed bug introduction:
1. Waiting rooms and lobbies. Bed bugs could hide in soft or upholstered furniture.
2. Emergency rooms and ER exam rooms. The high volume of turnover in these areas make them a high-risk point of entry for bed bugs.
3. Patient rooms and maternity suites. Patients and visiting guests may unknowingly transport bed bugs from their homes to these areas.
4. Physician, nurse and employee sleeping quarters. Upholstered, intricate beds are hospitable environments for bed bugs.
5. Employee locker rooms and personal storage areas. Bed bugs can "hitchhike" into a facility on personal items such as shoes, coats and gloves.
6. Patient intake areas. Rooms where patients are wearing their own clothes and have personal items have high rates of turnover and should be more frequently inspected.
