INTRO TO HC - Definition of Terms

Asepsis

Absence of microorganisms; exclusion of pathogenic or disease-causing microorganisms.

Aseptic technique

Practices or procedures that aim to minimize the risk for infection caused by contamination of microorganisms.

Medical asepsis

State of being free from microorganisms that can cause diseases.

Medical aseptic technique

Process that breaks the chain of infection by reducing the microorganisms present and preventing its transfer.

Surgical asepsis

Absence of all microorganisms when doing invasive procedures.

PPE (Personal protective equipment)

Materials or equipment designed to protect the person or health care provider from infection.

Hand hygiene

Involves four procedures: handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub, and surgical hand antiseptics.

Infection

Invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms.

Contaminated

Soiled with microorganisms.

Disinfection

Reduction of microorganisms without destroying the spores.

Spores

Inactive but viable state of microorganisms.

Sterile

Free from microorganisms.

Pathogenicity (Virulence)

Ability to produce disease.

Opportunistic pathogen

Pathogen that causes disease only to susceptible individuals.

Carrier

Person or animal that harbors an infectious agent and is capable of transferring it to other persons.

Colonization

Presence of microorganisms in the body secretions or excretions that does not cause illness; normal flora within the body.

Donning

To put on.

Doffing

To remove.