Which action is not typically part of standard infection-control practices to reduce hospital-acquired infections?

• A. Hand hygiene
• B. Proper use of PPE
• C. Environmental cleaning
• D. Sharing equipment without sterilization

Answer: (D)

Preventing hospital-acquired infections relies on interrupting transmission at multiple points. Hand hygiene is the most fundamental step to prevent transfer of pathogens from one patient to another. Proper use of PPE creates a barrier that protects both patients and staff from exposure to infectious agents during care. Environmental cleaning and disinfection reduce the amount of pathogens present on surfaces and in the patient-care environment, lowering the chance of indirect transmission.

Sharing equipment without sterilization contradicts these practices. Reusable equipment must be properly cleaned and then disinfected or sterilized between uses to prevent cross-contamination. For example, devices that contact sterile body sites or mucous membranes require thorough reprocessing before the next patient. Therefore, this action is not part of standard infection-control practices.