Which of the following is considered the lowest level of infection control?

Sanitation is recognized as the lowest level of infection control because it primarily involves the removal of dirt and debris from surfaces and items, thereby reducing the number of microorganisms to a safer level. This process does not necessarily eliminate all pathogens, but it aims to lower their presence to minimize the risk of infection.

In professional settings, sanitation techniques often include cleaning and washing with soap and water, which is essential for maintaining a baseline level of cleanliness and safety. It serves as the foundational step in infection control, suitable for non-critical items or surfaces that do not come into direct contact with bodily fluids or broken skin.

Disinfection, on the other hand, involves using chemicals to kill or inactivate most pathogenic microorganisms and is therefore a higher level of infection control. Sterilization provides the highest level, eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores. Isolation refers to a method used to separate infected individuals to prevent the spread of infection but does not directly pertain to infection control techniques of surfaces or tools.