Which organization is primarily responsible for providing guidelines on infection control practices in the U.S.?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary organization responsible for providing guidelines on infection control practices in the United States. The CDC is a federal agency that focuses on public health and safety, and it plays a critical role in establishing evidence-based protocols aimed at preventing and controlling infections in various settings, including healthcare facilities.

Through extensive research and collaboration with experts, the CDC develops standards and recommendations that help healthcare providers implement effective infection control measures. This includes guidelines on hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, sterilization procedures, and protocols for managing infectious disease outbreaks. The CDC’s guidelines are widely adopted and serve as a foundational resource for infection preventionists and healthcare professionals across the country.

In contrast, the World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on global health issues and provides international guidelines, which may influence practices but are not specific to the U.S. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily conducts biomedical research and does not center specifically on infection control guidelines as its primary mission. Lastly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, but it does not develop guidelines specifically for infection control practices in healthcare settings.