Infection Prevention and Control Essentials

Healthcare-associated infections are largely preventable, and the evidence consistently points to a small set of practices making the biggest difference.

Hand hygiene comes first

Proper handwashing with soap and water should last at least 20 seconds, and alcohol-based hand rub is an effective alternative when hands are not visibly soiled. This single habit remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in any care setting.

Standard precautions apply to everyone

Standard precautions are not reserved for patients with a known infection; they apply to every patient, every time, because infectious status is often unknown or undisclosed. This includes hand hygiene, safe handling of sharps, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

Putting on PPE in the right order

The typical donning sequence is gown, mask, eyewear, then gloves, so that gloves go on last and come off first. This order minimizes the chance of contaminating your skin or clothing while removing equipment afterward.

Sharps safety

Needlestick injuries are best prevented by using safety-engineered devices, never recapping needles by hand, and disposing of sharps immediately in an appropriate container rather than leaving them on a tray or surface.

Sterile technique when it matters

Some procedures, such as urinary catheter insertion, require a fully sterile technique rather than standard clean technique. Knowing which procedures cross that line is a common exam focus and a real clinical safety issue.

This guide is for educational revision only. Always follow your national curriculum, workplace protocols and official clinical guidelines.