Background: The purpose of this study is to identify the current state of infection control practice at Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) centers in Korea and to prepare effective standardized infection control guidelines.Methods: From September to October 2011, 32 HCT centers received questionnaires after consenting to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions; six about general characteristics of HCT centers and 11 about infection control practices.Results: The response rate was 93.8% (30/32) while the HEPA filter performance in isolation room was 100 class (100%). Visitors were limited to one or two people in most centers. Protective clothing for healthcare personnel comprised sterile gowns, gloves and masks at around 50%. Daily bathing was the most common skin care practice (53.6%) in allogeneic HCT and 46.7% in autologous HCT in. Most of the oral gargling solutions (including normal saline, sodium bicarbonate solution, and chlorhexidine), supported tooth brushing. Peripheral and central venous catheter insertion and dressing replacement cycle were shorter than those of general patients. The disinfectant used for venous catheter insertion and dressing exchange used more betadine. Most of the patients' diets were sterile.Conclusion: Infection control of the HCT centers in Korea varied from each center. Generally, there is no difference between allogeneic and autologous HCT in infection control practices, except in some detailed categories.

Keywords: Guideline, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Infection Control, Infection