nosocomial infection an infection acquired during hospitalization. More than one third of all such infections are easily preventable without sophisticated and expensive equipment or procedures. In most cases washing the hands after each patient contact is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. Other measures include basic cleanliness and sanitation in handling and storing of equipment, and particularly careful handling of urinary catheters and drainage bags. In addition to the urinary tract, other common sites of infection are the respiratory tract and surgical wounds. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations sets specific standards for in-h