Which of the following is considered the basic level of infection control?

The basic level of infection control is defined as sanitization. This practice involves the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces or in objects to a level that is considered safe for public health. Sanitization encompasses cleaning practices that lower the risk of infection without necessarily eliminating all pathogens.

This is particularly important in environments such as healthcare settings, where maintaining a safe and clean environment is crucial for patient safety. While sterilization and disinfection are vital processes in infection control, they represent higher levels of intervention than sanitation. Sterilization aims to destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is often reserved for instruments that enter sterile areas of the body. Disinfection, on the other hand, is focused on eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi from surfaces, but not typically spores, indicating a deeper level of cleaning than sanitization.

Surveillance, while important in monitoring infection trends and outbreaks, does not directly contribute to the immediate physical cleaning of surfaces or materials. Therefore, the identification of sanitization as the basic level of infection control reflects its foundational role in promoting hygiene and preventing the spread of infection in various settings.