infections control

Infection Control

The methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms from one individual to another

Infectious

Caused by or capable of being transmitted by infection

Cleaning

A mechanical process using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt debris and many disease causing germs

Sanitizing

A chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level

Disinfecting

A chemical process for use with nonporous items that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi (except bacterial spores) on implements and environmental surfaces

Sterilization

The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, generally with the use of an autoclave

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal regulatory compliance agency that develops, publishes, and enforces guidelines concerning safety in the workplace.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Registers all types of disinfectants sold and used in the United States

Disease

Abnormal condition of all or part of the body, it's systems or organs, that make up the body incapable of carrying on normal functions

Infection

The invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogens

Direct Transmission

Transmission of pathogens through touching (including shaking hands), kissing, coughing, sneezing, and talking

Indirect Transmission

Transmission of blood or body fluids through contact with an intermediate contaminated object such as a razor, extractor, nipper, or an environmental surface

Infectious Disease

A disease that is caused by a pathogen and that can be spread from one individual to another

Bacterial Spores

Bacteria capable of producing a protective coating that allows them to withstand very harsh environments, and shed the coating when conditions become more favorable

Bactericidal

Capable of destroying bacteria

Virucidal

Capable of destroying viruses

Fungicidal

Capable of destroying molds and fungi

Contagious Disease

A disease that is capable of spreading from one person to another

Contamination

The presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item's surface or visible debris or residues such as dust, hair, and skin

Diagnosis

Determination of the nature of a disease from its symptoms and/or diagnostic tests. Federal regulations prohibit salon professionals from performing a diagnosis

Occupational Disease

Illness resulting from conditions associated with employment, such as prolonged and repeated overexposure to certain products or ingredients

Parasitic Disease

Disease caused by parasites, such as lice and mites

Pathogenic Disease

Disease produced by organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that have both plant and animal characteristics

Nonpathogenic

Harmless microorganisms that may perform useful functions and are safe to come in contact with since they do not cause disease or harm

Pathogenic

Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body

Pus

A fluid created by infection

Local Infection

An infection, such as a pimple or abscess, that is confined to a particular part of the body and appears as a lesion containing pus

Systemic Infection

An infection where the pathogen has distributed throughout the body rather than staying in one area or organ

Staphylococci

Pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters like a bunch of grapes. They cause abscesses, pustules, and boils

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A type of infectious bacteria that is highly resistant to conventional treatments such as antibiotics

Mycobacterium

A large family of bacteria that is often found in soil and water

Virus

A parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Cutaneous viral infection commonly contracted through sexual transmission and exhibited by genital warts

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

An inflammatory disease of the skin caused by a viral infection and characterized by small vesicles in clusters

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in the body by blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV

Hepatitis

A bloodborne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Virus that damages the cells in the body's immune system so that the body is unable to fight infection or certain cancers

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A disease that breaks down the body's immune system

Fungi

Single-cell organisms that grow in irregular masses that include molds, mildews, and yeasts; can produce contagious diseases such as ringworm

Tinea Barbae

A superficial fungal infection that commonly affects the skin. It is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp

Tinea Capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp characterized by red papules, or spots, at the opening of the hair follicles

Ringworm

A fungal infection of the skin that appears in circular lesions

Parasites

Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism

Pediculosis Capitis

Infestation of the hair and scalp with head lice

Scabies

Contagious skin disease transmitted by the itch mite

Biofilms

Colonies of microorganisms that adhere to environmental surfaces, as well as the human body

Antiseptics

Chemical germicides formulated for use on skin; registered and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Multiuse

Items that can be cleaned, disinfected, and used on more than one person, even if the item is accidentally exposed to blood or body fluid

Efficacy

The ability to produce a desired or intended result

Nonporous

An item that is made or constructed of a material that has no pores or openings and cannot absorb liquids

Porous

Made or constructed of a material that has pores or openings

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Are products made of quaternary ammonium cations and are designed for disinfection on nonporous surfaces

Tuberculosis

A disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing or sneezing

Sodium Hypochlorite

Common household bleach; an effective disinfectant for the salon

Standard Precautions

Guidelines published by the CDC that require the employer and employee to assume that all human blood and body fluids are potentially infectious

Asymptomatic

Showing no symptoms or signs of infection

Exposure Incident

Contact with broken skin, blood, body fluid or other potentially infectious materials that results from performance of an employees duties

Chelating soaps

break down stubborn films and remove the residue of products such as scrubs, salts, and masks; also known as chelating detergents

Mildew

a type of fungus that affects plants or grows on inanimate objects but does not cause human infections in the barbershop

Phenolic disinfectant

tuberculocidal disinfectants that are a form of formaldehyde, have a very high pH, and can damage the skin and eyes