Which technique is most important to prevent the spread of infection?

Hand hygiene is the most critical technique in preventing the spread of infection because it effectively removes pathogens from the hands. The hands are common vectors for transferring microorganisms from one surface to another or from person to person. Regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers has been proven to significantly reduce the incidence of infections in numerous healthcare settings.

While other methods like using antiseptics, wearing gloves, and disinfecting surfaces are important components of infection control, they are often considered supplementary to the fundamental practice of hand hygiene. Antiseptics may help kill germs on the skin, but if hands are not washed properly before using them, the effectiveness is diminished. Gloves create a barrier but do not eliminate the need for proper hygiene; unwashed hands can still contaminate gloves. Disinfecting surfaces helps reduce the number of germs present but does not directly address the transfer of pathogens through human contact. Therefore, hand hygiene serves as the foundational practice in infection prevention and control initiatives.