TS 12213

TS 12213 is Part 5 of the Hospitals series and addresses the criteria related to infection control in hospitals. The standard focuses on the organisational and operational measures that support the prevention and reduction of infection transmission in a hospital environment. In practical terms, it is about managing exposure risks and establishing a consistent control approach across the institution.

Where infection control fits in hospital operations

In general technical terms, infection control brings together complementary elements such as cleaning, disinfection, isolation practices, hand hygiene, waste handling, sterilisation processes, staff training, and surveillance. In hospitals, this function is foundational to safe service delivery. Different areas such as intensive care units, operating theatres, inpatient wards, and diagnostic departments may require different control measures because their risk profiles are not the same.

Technical context provided by this part

• The title makes clear that the standard is concerned with infection control within hospital management.
• The series structure indicates that this topic is treated as a distinct functional area within hospital services.
• As a criteria-focused standard, it is understood to support institutional arrangements rather than act as a detailed clinical protocol.

For organisations, TS 12213 is useful as a reference point for common terminology and a structured framework for addressing infectious risks in hospital operations. The subject is not limited to hygiene alone; it also involves staffing, process design, material flow, and monitoring arrangements working together as part of quality management.