Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CBIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most effective prevention method for C. difficile spores is glove use/barrier protection because gloves provide a direct barrier between healthcare workers and contaminated surfaces or patients. C. difficile spores can be extremely resilient, surviving on surfaces for long periods, and can be easily transmitted through contact. Wearing gloves helps to prevent the transmission of these spores from patients, surfaces, and contaminated equipment to healthcare personnel and other patients.

While frequent hand washing is important in infection control, it is often not sufficient on its own against C. difficile spores, particularly if hands have become contaminated with spores. Disinfectants are crucial for decontaminating surfaces, but proper barrier protection, such as wearing gloves, is a primary method to prevent direct contact with the spores. Isolation of infected patients is also an important measure in controlling the spread of C. difficile, but it does not provide the same level of direct protection to the healthcare worker as glove usage does.

Overall, the use of gloves in conjunction with other infection control measures effectively minimizes the risk of C. difficile transmission in healthcare settings.