Chain of Infection
This is the first link in the chain of infection and can include viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.
What is an infectious agent/pathogen?
The common cold is an example of this type of infection that appears suddenly and resolves within weeks.
What is an acute infection?
This technique is also called clean technique.
What is medical asepsis?
Specimen delivery from collection stations to reference labs should be done this way.
What is as promptly as possible?
Chain of custody applies to drug screenings, forensic studies, blood alcohol tests, and this type of testing.
What is paternity testing?
This is the environment that supports the survival of pathogens.
What is a reservoir?
Hepatitis B is an example of this infection that can linger, sometimes forever.
What is a chronic infection?
Cleaning a venipuncture site with 70% isopropyl alcohol is an example of this.
What is medical asepsis?
Specimens sent to the lab should be placed in this type of bag with zipper seals.
What is a plastic biohazard bag?
This form documents handling and storage information for urine drug testing specimens.
What is the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form, or CCF?
Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts are examples of this link in the chain.
What is a portal of exit?
Herpes simplex is an example of this infection because it has periods of remission and relapse.
What is a latent infection?
This technique is also called sterile technique.
What is surgical asepsis?
This delivery method uses padded canisters through a tube network system.
What is a pneumatic tube system?
Chain of custody specimens are considered this, so they must not be tampered with.
What is legal evidence?
This link can be direct or indirect and allows pathogens to move to another host.
What is mode of transmission?
This type of infection affects people with weakened immune systems.
What is an opportunistic infection?
This asepsis goal is to eliminate microorganisms and prevent them from entering the body.
What is surgical asepsis?
This form should include the patient’s name, date, test type, provider name, ICD-10 code, and provider signature line.
What is a lab requisition form?
ABG samples should be delivered to the lab in this.
What is an ice slurry?
This is the main way to break the chain of infection.
What is effective hand hygiene?
Oral candidiasis is common in patients with AIDS and is an example of this type of infection.
What is an opportunistic infection?
This type of asepsis is mandatory for invasive procedures or when skin/mucous membranes are penetrated.
What is surgical asepsis?
This delivery method involves a courier transporting samples by vehicle.
What is an automated carrier?
This test measures blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels from an artery.
What is an arterial blood gas test, or ABG?