term
Air Exchanges
New air replacements.
Bactrium
A small, single-celled microorganism that can exist in three main forms, depending on type: spherical (i.e., cocci), rod-shaped (i.e., bacilli), and spiral (i.e., spirochetes).
Drip chamber
The small, open space just below the spike adaptor where the drops of fluid from the IV bag into the tubing are counted by the nurse to determine the flow rate of the IV solution.
Zone of turbulence
Wherever the unidirectional filtered air meets resistance or blockage, particularly between the DCA and compounding technician; also the area at the edges of the compounding counter where the horizontal airflow meets the buffer room air.
Secondary Tubing
IV tubing for another medication that is attached to the primary tubing at a Y-site injection port.
Asepsis
The absence of pathogenic microorganisms
Clean room
An ISO-classified room (or two-room configuration of a cleanroom area) in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled to meet a specified airborne-particulate cleanliness class to prevent particle and microbial contamination of CSPs; also called the IV room or buffer room.
Drop factor
The number of drops that an IV tubing delivers to provide 1mL; this number may be used by nurses to calculate the IV flow rate when using certain types of primary IV tubing; also called drop set or drip set.
Super bugs
Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic therapies.
Protozoan
A single-celled organism that inhabits water and soil.
Aseptic hand washing
A more aggressive soap and water hand washing procedure, followed by use of an antiseptic agent before donning sterile attire.
Critical Site
The part of the syringe and/or needle that is at risk for contamination by touch or airflow interruption.
Epidemic
A regional widespread contagious disease.
Sterilization
The process of using chemicals, heat, cold, pressure, or other forces to kill microorganisms on exposed surfaces.
Primary Tubing
IV tubing that is attached to the primary IV bag of solution.
Autoclave
A device that generates heat and pressure to sterilize objects, instruments, and measures vessels.
Disinfectant
A chemical agent such as sterile 70% IPA used on inanimate surfaces and objects to destroy fungi, viruses, and bacteria, but not necessarily their spores.
Filtration
Funneling of a liquid or gas through filters, or mesh screens with minute holes too small for biological and chemical contaminants to pass through.
SVP
IV solutions of generally 25 to 250mL, typically administered as an IV piggyback (infusing into the LVP).
Phlebitis
An inflammation of the vein from the administration of drugs.
Auxiliary Clamp
Slide clamp used to completely stop the IV solution from flowing.
Distillation
Process of boiling a liquid and capturing the condensed gases or vapor back into a purified liquid form.
HEPA
A device used to filter over 99% of particulate matter from the air to establish an aseptic environment in which to prepare CSPs.
Sepsis
When an infection is so threatening to the body that the immune system begins to attack the body's own blood vessels and organs causing inflammation, leaky vessels, organ failure, and septic shock.
LVP (Large Volume Parenteral)
IV solutions of more than 250mL that may contain medications, nutrients, or electrolytes.