What term refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms?

The term that best refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms is infection control. Infection control encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections, particularly in settings like nail salons and healthcare facilities. This includes protocols and procedures that practitioners must follow to ensure a safe environment for both clients and themselves.

Sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization are all important elements within the broader scope of infection control, but they specify particular processes. Sanitation refers to the general cleanliness and reduction of germs, disinfection deals with eliminating most pathogens on surfaces, and sterilization involves destroying all forms of microbial life. Infection control, however, includes all these practices and the overarching strategies that guide their application to prevent infection transmission. Therefore, it encompasses both the specific methods and the overall philosophy of maintaining health and safety.