A client has C. difficile (C. diff). Which precaution is most important for hand hygiene?

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is unique among healthcare pathogens because it forms spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol does not kill C. diff spores. Hand hygiene after caring for C. diff clients (or any patient with suspected infectious diarrhea) must use soap and water, with vigorous mechanical washing to physically remove the spores. The CDC and WHO both specifically recommend this. Contact precautions are required for C. diff clients: gowns and gloves for room entry, dedicated equipment (BP cuffs, stethoscopes), private room or cohorting with other C. diff clients. Environmental cleaning requires sporicidal disinfectants (bleach or specific EPA-registered products) rather than standard quaternary ammonium disinfectants which do not kill spores. C. diff is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and requires diligence to prevent transmission.