CLASSWORK - Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
Aids
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; a disease caused by the HIV virus that breaks down the body's immune system.
Autoclave
A piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies.
Chemical Disinfection
The use of chemicals to destroy pathogens; though often ineffective against spores and certain viruses.
Disinfection
A process that destroys most microorganisms (but not necessarily spores) on non-porous surfaces.
Exogenous
An infection or disease that originates outside the body.
Aerobic
Microorganisms that require oxygen to live and grow.
Bacteria
One-celled microorganisms, some of which are beneficial and some of which cause disease.
Clean
The absence of dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs.
Droplet Precautions
Methods used for pathogens transmitted by large-particle droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Fomites
Inanimate objects (like doorknobs or tools) that can harbor and transmit germs.
Airborne Precautions
Safety measures used for diseases that are transmitted by small particles that remain suspended in the air.
Bioterrorism
The deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs used to cause illness or death.
Communicable Disease
A disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another.
Ebola
A severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever.
Fungi
Plant-like organisms (yeasts/molds) that live on dead organic matter.
Anaerobic
Microorganisms that live and grow in the absence of oxygen.
Cavitation
The process in an ultrasonic unit where bubbles explode to drive cleaning solution into small spaces.
Contact Precautions:
Methods used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens spread by direct or indirect contact.
Endogenous
An infection or disease that originates within the body.
Health Care-Associated Infection (HAI)
An infection acquired by an individual while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility.
Asepsis
Being free from infection or the prevention of contact with microorganisms.
Chain of Disinfection
A systematic process of destroying or inhibiting pathogenic organisms to prevent the spread of infection.
Contaminated
Containing infection or infectious organisms; "dirty."
Epidemic
An infectious disease that affects a large number of people within a population at the same time.
Helminth
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes.