The aim must be to efficiently eliminate potential "problem germs" or at least reduce the germ load to such an extent that the risk of infection is reduced and transmission to other patients is prevented. Preventive patient decontamination (universal/horizontal decontamination) is a key measure with a high level of scientific evidence.
Here, comprehensive screening is dispensed with. Instead, all patients - regardless of their germ status - are subjected to a decontaminating washing procedure from the time of admission to the respective ward.
Ideally, the nasal vestibules, the entire skin and any wounds are decontaminated at the same time.