What term is used for practices that minimize the transmission of infectious organisms?

The term "infection control" refers to a comprehensive set of practices and policies designed to minimize the transmission of infectious organisms. This includes various methods such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and proper waste disposal, all aimed at preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings and the community. Infection control measures are crucial in protecting both healthcare workers and patients from infections.

While hygiene, sanitization, and quarantine are related concepts, they serve specific functions within the broader scope of infection control. Hygiene focuses on personal cleanliness and practices to maintain health, sanitization refers to the process of reducing the number of microorganisms to safe levels on surfaces, and quarantine involves isolating individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread. Infection control encompasses all these aspects but is a more comprehensive term specifically aimed at preventing and managing infections in various environments.