Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Employing rigorous sterilization techniques is a fundamental practice for infection control in patient care areas. Sterilization refers to the process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This practice is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during invasive procedures where the risk of contamination is high.

Instruments and equipment that come into contact with sterile body areas or are used in surgical procedures must be properly sterilized to ensure that they do not introduce pathogens that could lead to infections. This is part of a broader infection control strategy that also includes hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning.

While other options may seem relevant to infection control, they do not align with best practices. For example, minimizing hand washing contradicts infection control protocols, as hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Utilizing disposable items can be beneficial in certain contexts, but it is not a comprehensive infection control strategy. Additionally, allowing untrained staff to manage waste could lead to improper handling of potentially infectious materials, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens.