Infection Control Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards related to Infection Control.

Objective Symptoms

Observable indications of a disease.

Subjective Symptoms

Subjective indications of a disease.

Etiology

The study of the cause of disease.

Pathology

The study of the nature and cause of disease.

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease.

Prognosis

The predicted outcome of a disease.

Acute Disease

A disease of rapid onset and short duration.

Chronic Disease

A long-lasting disease.

Remission

The temporary recovery from a disease.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Pandemic

A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world.

Endemic

A disease regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Outbreak

A sudden increase in the occurrence of a disease.

Exogenous

Caused by factors outside the body.

Endogenous

Caused by factors inside the body.

Congenital

Present from birth.

Degenerative

Characterized by progressive deterioration.

Opportunistic

Caused by organisms that usually do not cause disease in individuals with healthy immune systems.

Nosocomial

Acquired in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Aerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that require oxygen to survive.

Facultative Bacteria

Bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

Flagella

A slender threadlike structure, especially a microscopic appendage that enables many protozoa, bacteria, spermatozoa, etc., to swim.

Pathogen

A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

Vector-borne

A disease-carrying insect or organism, usually a biting insect or tick, that transmits the disease from one animal or plant to another.

Immunity

The ability of the body to resist a particular disease.

Natural

Not caused by human action or intervention.

Immunocompromised

Having an impaired immune system.

Virulence

The severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison.

Inoculation

The introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies.

Vaccination

Treatment with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.

Autogenous Vaccine

A vaccine prepared from material taken from the patient's own body.

Attenuated Microbes

A weakened or diluted pathogen.

Sanitation

Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.

Sterilization

The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

Asepsis

The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Disinfection

The process of cleaning something, especially with a chemical, in order to destroy bacteria.

Universal Precautions

The practice of avoiding contact with patients' bodily fluids, by means of the wearing of nonporous articles such as medical gloves, goggles, and face shields.

Autoclave

An apparatus for sterilizing articles by steam under pressure.

Disinfectant

A substance that destroys bacteria, especially one used as a disinfectant.

Antiseptic

A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

Bacteriostatic

Inhibiting the growth or multiplication of bacteria.

Germicide

A substance that kills germs.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

An apparatus used to clean instruments by using ultrasound.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Documentation that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals, or other potentially dangerous substances, and on safe working procedures when handling chemical products.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

A set of written instructions that document a routine or repetitive activity followed by an organization.