Chain of infection, hand hygiene, aseptic technique and disinfection
The chain of infection and where each control breaks it, how alcohol-based handrub works and why it fails against C. difficile spores and norovirus, the 5 Moments, aseptic non-touch technique, chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation, and the Spaulding classification for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation.
Tier 1Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Infection spreads along a chain: agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Each control measure breaks one link.
- Hand hygiene is the most effective single measure against healthcare-associated infection. Alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is the default; soap and water for spores, norovirus and visible soiling.
- Aseptic technique protects key sites and key parts during procedures.
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Sources
- Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in HealthcareAU/NZNHMRC and Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2019, amended 2024
- National Hand Hygiene InitiativeAU/NZAustralian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2025
- WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health CareWorld Health Organization, 2009
- Darouiche RO et al. Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for surgical-site antisepsis. N Engl J Med 2010;362:18-26New England Journal of Medicine, 2010
- Rutala WA, Weber DJ. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare FacilitiesCDC Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee, 2008, updated 2019
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Turnstile bot check on sign-in and signed-out feedback