Top Hospital Infection Control Techniques

Understanding how to prevent hospital-associated infections (HAIs) is a key part of overall hospital safety. In fact, infection control in hospitals is at the core of patient safety, staff protection and public trust. Yet despite decades of protocols, training and new technologies, healthcare-associated infections  remain a persistent, although often preventable, threat. 

According to CDC estimates, roughly one in 31 hospital patients in the United States has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day. These infections can lead to extended hospital stays, increased treatment costs, long-term complications and, in some cases, preventable loss of life. In an era of increased public scrutiny, antimicrobial resistance and healthcare worker shortages, the importance of infection control in hospitals has never been more urgent.

Statistics on infection control in hospitals provide promising evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness. Research actually indicates that strong infection prevention programs can significantly reduce HAIs. In fact, the CDC cites studies suggesting targeted prevention steps can decrease specific HAIs by over 70%.

Based on extensive research and first-hand experience, Daniels Health has identified 10 principles of infection control every hospital should prioritize. These steps cover essential infection control techniques, the role of environmental design and practical methods to prevent cross infection through smarter systems and safer waste handling. Whether you’re reevaluating your infection control protocol or looking for new ways to strengthen compliance, these strategies are designed to meet both regulatory standards and real-world challenges.

10 techniques to enhance infection control:

Principle 1: Build a Facility-Wide Culture of Infection Prevention

It’s easy for infection prevention in hospitals to be relegated as the sole responsibility of infection preventionists or environmental services teams. But in reality, it’s a system-wide commitment that touches every role, from intake coordinators and clinical staff to waste handlers and administrative leaders. Building a culture of shared responsibility is the first step in reducing risks and reinforcing compliance.

A strong infection prevention culture begins at the top with leadership. When executive teams prioritize infection control, it’s easier to inspire everyone else to follow suit. In the real world setting of hospitals, this means allocating resources, enforcing accountability and regularly communicating expectations. Cross-departmental collaboration is especially important when it comes to managing workflow overlaps that increase the potential for contamination.

This kind of culture is supported by infrastructure. A well-designed hospital contamination control system ensures safe movement of people, waste, supplies and equipment throughout a facility. Physical layout, cleaning schedules, ventilation and container placement all influence how easily infection can spread or be stopped. It’s all about making safe practices routine, expected and second nature. This requires active engagement across every level of the hospital organization.

Principle 2: Implement a Clear Infection Control Protocol

Every hospital should have a clearly defined, evidence-based infection control protocol that guides staff through both everyday practices and outbreak response. This protocol must be more than a document. It should be a living, operational framework that shapes how risk is identified, addressed, and prevented across departments.

An effective infection control policy outlines how to manage types of infection control responses based on patient risk level, procedure type and exposure potential. It should clearly define when to implement isolation precautions, how to handle suspected or confirmed cases of contagious illness and what roles are responsible for each stage of response.

Strong protocols are built on nationally recognized guidelines for infection control in hospitals, such as those from the CDC, OSHA and WHO. They should also include internal pathways for staff reporting, escalation and incident review. The goal is to minimize confusion and support consistent action, especially when time is critical.

To maintain relevance and compliance, these protocols should be reviewed regularly and updated when new risks or treatments emerge. A strong infection control protocol acts as the backbone of hospital preparedness, prevention and accountability.

Principle 3: Screen Early, Isolate Swiftly

Timely identification of infectious risk is one of the most effective ways to reduce transmission and improve patient outcomes. Hospitals that prioritize proactive screening and swift isolation are better positioned to prevent outbreaks and minimize the spread of healthcare-associated infections.

Early screening involves a multi-step process that includes: 

For example, prompt testing for pathogens like Clostridioides difficile, MRSA or respiratory viruses can help staff make informed decisions about room assignment, protective measures and care plans.

Isolation protocols should activate automatically once a high-risk or confirmed case is identified. This includes not only physical separation, but also the immediate deployment of:

Hospitals that invest in structured triage and isolation workflows are more likely to succeed in preventing hospital-acquired infections, especially in high-volume or high-acuity care environments.

Principle 4: Educate and Train Continuously

Sustained infection control in hospitals depends heavily on the organization’s people. But these staff members won’t automatically know proper protocol. They need training and that training needs to be a continuous process. Ongoing education ensures that every staff member understands how to implement safe practices, respond to emerging risks and prevent lapses in protocol.

Education should go beyond one-time onboarding. Regular training sessions, micro-learning modules and department-specific refreshers keep staff up to date on the basic principles of infection control, which includes:

These sessions should also cover evolving guidance for bloodborne pathogens, multi-drug resistant organisms and novel viruses.

Encourage Infection Preventionists to work alongside department leaders to tailor content based on role, risk level and department-specific exposure. Training should also emphasize the importance of infection control in hospitals not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a professional and ethical responsibility.

Embedding infection control education into the workplace culture equips staff to respond confidently and consistently no matter the scenario.

Principle 5: Use PPE Based on Risk Level

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most visible and essential infection control techniques in any healthcare setting. But effective use of PPE requires the correct selection, consistent usage and appropriate context-based application.

Gloves, masks, face shields, gowns and respirators should be matched to the level of exposure risk associated with each procedure or patient interaction. For example, standard contact precautions may only require gloves and gowns, while airborne precautions for diseases like tuberculosis or COVID-19 necessitate N95 masks and negative pressure rooms.