Which practice is NOT recommended as part of infection prevention?

• A. Reusing single-use devices
• B. Hand hygiene
• C. Aseptic technique
• D. Environmental cleaning

Answer: (A)

Maintaining sterility and reducing microbial spread are central to infection prevention. Single-use devices are designed to be used on one patient and disposed of, because their sterile barrier cannot be guaranteed after a single use. Reusing them can leave residues or microbes that cross-contaminate patients, leading to infections such as bloodstream infections or device-associated infections. Standards and manufacturers labeling support one-time use to prevent these risks, so reusing these devices is not recommended.

Hand hygiene helps remove transient microbes from hands, aseptic technique protects the sterile field during procedures, and environmental cleaning reduces pathogens present in the patient care environment. Together, these practices reduce the likelihood of transmitting infections.