Air
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
ISO (International Organization for Standardization): A standard for cleanroom air quality levels; ISO Class 5 is required for sterile compounding
Drip Chamber
Drip Chamber: A part of IV tubing that allows visualization of the fluid drip rate, ensuring proper flow during infusion
Bacterium
Bacterium: A microscopic, single-celled organism that can cause infections and is targeted by antibiotics
In-Line Filter
In-Line Filter: A small filter placed within IV tubing to remove particulates or microorganisms from the fluid before administration
Disinfectant
Disinfectant: A chemical agent used to kill or reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces and equipment
Positive Pressure
Positive Pressure: A condition where the air pressure in one area (e g , cleanroom) is greater than adjacent areas, preventing the inflow of contaminants
Drop Factor
Drop Factor: The number of drops required to deliver 1 mL of fluid through IV tubing, used to calculate flow rates
Epidemic
Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease within a specific population or geographic area
Injection Port
Injection Port: A port on IV tubing or bags for adding medications or drawing samples while maintaining sterility
Distillation
Distillation: The process of purifying a liquid by heating it to create vapor and then condensing it back into liquid form
Air Exchanges
Air Exchanges: The number of times air within a room is replaced with fresh, filtered air per hour, ensuring proper airflow and minimizing contamination in cleanrooms
Auxiliary Clamp
Auxiliary Clamp: A clamp on IV tubing used to temporarily stop or regulate the flow of fluids during infusion
Autoclave
Autoclave: A device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize equipment, tools, and materials, effectively killing microorganisms, including spores
IV Administration Set
IV Administration Set: Equipment used to deliver IV fluids, including tubing, clamps, and connectors
Superbugs
Superbugs: Bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter: A filter that captures 99 97% of airborne particles as small as 0 3 microns, ensuring sterile airflow in cleanrooms and laminar flow hoods
IVPB (Intravenous Piggyback)
IVPB (Intravenous Piggyback): A secondary IV infusion, often smaller in volume, connected to the primary IV line for intermittent medication delivery
Protozoan
Protozoan: A single-celled microorganism that can cause diseases, such as malaria or giardiasis
LVP (Large Volume Parenteral)
LVP (Large Volume Parenteral): A sterile solution supplied in volumes greater than 100 mL for IV administration
Asepsis
Asepsis: The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent infection or contamination
Zone of Turbulence
Zone of Turbulence: An area where laminar airflow becomes disrupted, increasing the risk of contamination during sterile compounding
Primary Tubing
Primary Tubing: The main IV tubing that delivers fluids and medications directly to the patient
Sepsis
Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure
Microdrip IV Tubing
Microdrip IV Tubing: IV tubing with a small drop factor (e g , 60 drops/mL), used for precise fluid delivery
Critical Site
Critical Site: Any area on equipment or supplies (e g , vial septums, needle tips) exposed to sterile products that can introduce contamination