Key Terms
acute infection
infection of short duration that is often severe
Universal Precautions
guidelines based on treating all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Percutaneous
Through the skin, such as with a needlestick, cut, or human bite
Acquired Immunity
immunity that is developed during a person's lifetime
Modes of Transmission
direct, indirect, airborne, aerosol, spray, spatter, parenteral, blood-borne, food and water, fecal-oral
anaphylaxis
extreme hypersensitivity to a substance that can lead to shock and life-threatening respiratoy collapse
Standard Precautions
Standard of Care designed to protect healthcare providers from pathogens that can be spread by blood or any other body fluid via excretion or secretion, expands on the concept of universal precautions
Permucosal
Contact with mucous membranes, such as eyes or mouth
Artificially Acquired Immunity
Immunity that results from a vaccination
hazardous waste
waste that poses a threat to humans of the environment
blood-borne disease
disease that is carried by microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood
PPE
items such as protective clothing, masks, gloves, and eyewear, used to protect employees
Indirect Contact
touching or contact with a contaminated surface or instrument
Inherited Immunity
Immunity that is present at birth
sharps
pointed or cutting instruments, including needles, scalpel blades, orthodontic wires, and endodontic instruments
chronic infection
an infection of long duration
OSHA Blood-Borne Pathogens Standard
guidelines designed to protect employees against occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens
Direct Contact
touching or contact with a patient's blood or saliva
immunity that occurs when a person has contracted and is recovering from a disease
Chain of Infection
infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host,
communicable disease
condition caused by an infection that can be spread from person to person through contact with body fluids
Infection Control
policies and practices designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents
Chain of Infection
Conditions that must all be present for infection to occur
Immunity
Ability of the body to resist disease
epidemiologic
studies of the patterns and causes of diseases