Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which method is most effective at preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections?

1. Place the patient in barrier precaution isolation

2. Always process samples in a biohazard cabinet

3. Proper hand washing technique in-between patients

4. Change lab coat between patients

The correct answer is: Proper hand washing technique in-between patients

The most effective method at preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections is proper hand washing technique in-between patients. Hand hygiene is a critical practice in healthcare settings, as it significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens. When healthcare workers wash their hands effectively, they can eliminate harmful microorganisms that may have been transferred from patient to patient, surfaces, or equipment, thereby reducing the likelihood of nosocomial infections. Hand washing breaks the chain of infection by removing contaminants from the skin and preventing the transfer of these pathogens to other patients. It is a simple yet powerful intervention that can lead to a substantial decrease in infection rates within a hospital environment. While other methods such as barrier precaution isolation, processing samples in a biohazard cabinet, and changing lab coats can contribute to infection control, they are often more situational or dependent on circumstances and do not directly address the frequent and routine transmission of pathogens that can occur during patient care. Therefore, the emphasis on hand hygiene is central to infection prevention strategies in healthcare settings.