Safety Procedures

Biohazard

Disease-producing pathogens that pose significant health risks if not properly handled and disposed of.

Sharps

Tools used to puncture the skin during blood collection, such as needles and lancets.

Exposure Control Plan

A written plan to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure and to guide actions in case exposure occurs.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

OSHA regulations including universal precautions, PPE, and training to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

Legislation aimed at reducing needlestick injuries by requiring safer medical devices and training.

Universal Precautions

A set of infection control practices treating all human blood and certain body fluids as infectious.

Hand Hygiene

Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce infection risk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear such as gloves and masks worn to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infections.

Environmental Cleaning

Cleaning of surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids to prevent infection spread.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

Practices to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens, such as covering mouth and nose when coughing.

Chain of Infection

Components that must all be present for an infection to spread, including infectious agent and susceptible host.

Nosocomial Infection

Infection acquired in a healthcare setting, often as a result of treatment or care.

Contaminated Waste

Biohazardous materials that must be disposed of properly to prevent infection.

Infection Control

Procedures to minimize the spread of infectious pathogens in healthcare settings.

Aseptic Technique

Strict measures taken to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination.

Contact Precautions

Infection control measures to prevent transmission through direct or indirect contact.

Droplet Precautions

Precautions to prevent transmission through respiratory droplets.

Airborne Precautions

Precautions to prevent infections transmitted through the air over distances.

Sharps Container

Puncture-resistant container designated for the disposal of sharp objects to prevent injuries.

Infectious Agent

The microbe that causes an infection in the host.

Reservoir

The habitat where an infectious agent lives and multiplies.

Mode of Transmission

The method by which an infectious agent is transmitted from reservoir to host.

Portal of Entry

The route through which an infectious agent enters a susceptible host.

Susceptible Host

An individual whose immune system is weakened, making them more likely to get infected.

Standard Precautions

Minimum infection prevention practices applied to all patients in healthcare settings.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Immunization recommended for healthcare workers at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Puncture-Resistant Material

Material used for containers to protect against accidental punctures.

Infection Prevention Training

Education for healthcare personnel on protocols and practices to reduce infection risks.

Routine Blood Collections

Standard procedures for obtaining blood samples safely from patients.

Accidental Needle Stick

Unintentional puncture of the skin by a needle, posing risks of infection.

Contaminated Surfaces

Surfaces exposed to blood or body fluids requiring proper cleaning and disinfection.

Aseptic Environment

An area that is kept free of contamination to prevent infections during medical procedures.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; responsible for ensuring safe working conditions.

Infection Control Policies

Guidelines implemented in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections.

Safety Devices on Needles

Engineered devices designed to prevent needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.

PPE Donning Order

The sequence in which personal protective equipment should be applied for safety.

PPE Doffing Order

The sequence for safely removing personal protective equipment to avoid contamination.

Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer

A hand disinfectant effective for killing germs when hands are not visibly soiled.