What is the second step of infection control?

• A. Cleaning
• B. Disinfecting
• C. Sterilizing
• D. PPE

Answer: (B)

Infection-control procedures follow a sequence: cleaning first, then disinfection, then sterilization. The second step is disinfection because once you’ve removed visible soil and organic matter, disinfectants can effectively kill many pathogens on surfaces or equipment, reducing the risk of transmission to safe levels. Cleaning is essential as a preparatory step—it clears debris that could shield microorganisms and interfere with disinfection. Sterilization is reserved for items that must be completely free of all microorganisms, typically when they will contact sterile tissues. PPE, while crucial for protection during procedures, isn’t a decontamination step but a protective measure used during work.