Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Direct contact in terms of infection transmission refers to physical contact between an infected person or object and a susceptible host. This can occur through skin-to-skin interactions, such as touching, hugging, or any situation where bodily fluids may be exchanged directly. Since infections can be transmitted through mucous membranes or open wounds during such interactions, understanding direct contact is crucial for implementing proper infection control measures.

In contrast, airborne transmission, indirect fomite exposure, and waterborne transmission all involve other forms of transmission that do not require immediate physical contact. Airborne transmission involves pathogens that are dispersed through the air and inhaled, while indirect fomite exposure refers to transmission via contaminated surfaces or objects, where the pathogen is transferred to a person from a non-living surface. Waterborne transmission occurs through contaminated water sources, which does not involve direct physical contact between the individuals involved. Understanding these distinctions highlights the importance of recognizing direct contact as a significant mode of transmission in infection control practices.