Final answer:
The sequencing of elements that allows infection to occur in the transmission of infectious agents within healthcare is called chain of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequencing of elements that allows infection to occur in the transmission of infectious agents within healthcare is called chain of infection.
In the chain of infection, there are six elements that need to be present for infection to occur. These elements include:
- Infectious Agent: the pathogen that causes the disease.
- Reservoir: the source where the pathogen lives and grows.
- Portal of Exit: the route through which the pathogen leaves the reservoir.
- Mode of Transmission: the method by which the pathogen is passed from one host to another.
- Portal of Entry: the route through which the pathogen enters a new host.
- Susceptible Host: an individual who is susceptible to the infection.
Each element in the chain of infection plays a crucial role in the transmission of infectious agents within healthcare settings.