What are the two levels of precautions used in infection control?

The correct answer identifies the two levels of precautions used in infection control as standard precautions and transmission-based precautions.

Standard precautions are foundational practices that should be applied to all patients, regardless of their infection status. These practices include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and proper handling and disposal of instruments and contaminated materials. The purpose of standard precautions is to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.

Transmission-based precautions are additional measures that are implemented based on the mode of transmission of specific infectious agents. These include contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, tailored to prevent the spread of infections that are known or suspected to be transmissible. By implementing these precautions, healthcare professionals can protect themselves and others from infections that present a higher risk of transmission.

The other choices do not encompass the broader framework of infection control. For instance, observation precautions is not a recognized category within infection control, and while contact and droplet precautions are specific types under transmission-based precautions, they do not represent the complete distinction between standard and transmission-based precautions. Additionally, universal precautions are an older term that has largely been replaced by standard precautions, underscoring the evolution of infection control practices to address a wide range of pathogens effectively.