A
term that describes the absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms
Asepsis
an organism that requires oxygen to live
aerobe
term for all efforts made to prevent the spread of infection
infection control
term for the three elements-fuel, heat, and oxygen-needed to start and maintain a fire
fire triangle
organisms that live in or on another organism
parasites
The practice or science of maximizing efficiency and preventing discomfort or injury during the performance of physical tasks, such as lifting and sitting
Ergonomics
infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease
bloodborne pathogens
The sequence of events that allows infection to move from one source or host to another
chain of infection
A set of basic practices intended to prevent transmission of infectious diseases from on person to another
Standard precautions
A puncture resistant container used for disposing of waste-contaminated sharps, including needles, scalpels, glass slides, and broken glass
Biohazard Sharps Container
Infections acquired in hospitals or other healthcare facilities; also known as healthcare acquired infections
Nosocomial Infection
A piece of tissue removed from the body for examination; the process of removing tissue for examination
biopsy
incident report
The science or study of the form and structure of an organsism
morphology
the use of antimicrobial agents on nonliving objects, surfaces to destroy or deactivate microorganisms
disinfection
equipment worn by worker's to protect them from serious workplace injuries or illnesses
Rules established by the occupational safety and and health administration (OSHA) that require employers to educate employees about chemical hazards in the workplace
OSHA hazard communication standards
type of infection transmission in which the pathogen travels directly from one host to another; such as in person-to-person transmission.
Direct Contact
The use of antimicrobial agents on objects, surfaces or living tissue to reduce the number of disease-causing microorganisms
Sanitization
a law enacted in 2000 requiring employers to identify, evaluate, and introduce safer medical devices to avoid needle sticks
needlestick safety and prevention act
a document containing comprehensive information about a particular chemical used in healthcare facility
Material safety and data sheet (MSDS)
a type of infection transmission in which the pathogen takes an indirect path- such as as through food, air, or clothing-to its next host
indirect contact
the act of killing all microorganism and their spores on a surface; in healthcare this may include pressurized steam, dry heat, and gas
Sterilization
handwashing with detergent or antimicrobial soap and water, or by applying an alcohol-based hand rub; considered the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection
Hand hygiene
the proper use of body movements to prevent injury during the performance of physical tasks, such as lifting and sitting
body mechanics