The key intervention to prevent infection during invasive procedures is:

• A. Prophylactic antibiotics for all procedures
• B. Use of old sterile gloves
• C. Aseptic technique and sterile field maintenance; hand hygiene
• D. Avoid any invasive procedure

Answer: (C)

Preventing infection during invasive procedures hinges on maintaining aseptic technique and a sterile field, with meticulous hand hygiene. Aseptic technique means handling instruments, catheters, and supplies in a way that minimizes introducing microorganisms into the sterile area or the patient’s body. The sterile field must be protected at all times, and anything that becomes contaminated should be replaced. Hand hygiene is the foundational practice that reduces the number of pathogens on the clinician’s hands before touching sterile equipment or the patient, and it must be done before donning sterile gloves and between procedures. Proper glove use supports sterility but does not replace handwashing, and gloves should be sterile and changed if they become contaminated or damaged. Prophylactic antibiotics for all procedures are not appropriate because broad antibiotic use can promote resistance and is reserved for specific risk scenarios, not routine invasive procedures. Avoiding invasive procedures is not a practical preventive measure, since many are necessary for diagnosis or treatment. The combination of aseptic technique, sterile field maintenance, and thorough hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection during invasive procedures.