infection control

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body, causing localized cellular injury.

Cycle of Infection

The process by which a pathogen finds an environment to grow, moves through a host, and utilizes portals of entry, methods of transmission, and portals of exit.

Carriers

Individuals who harbor a disease without showing symptoms but can still transmit pathogens.

Standard Precautions

Minimum standards set by the CDC for infection control in healthcare settings, applicable to blood, all body fluids, secretions, excretions, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes.

Handwashing

An essential practice required after gloves, between patient contact, and when contaminated to prevent infection.

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired during hospitalization, not present on admission, often preventable and a threat to patient safety.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

A bacterial infection characterized by diarrhea and fever, spread via the fecal-oral route.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

An antibiotic-resistant infection that is difficult to treat, surviving on surfaces for months and transmitted mainly through contact.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

Bacteria resistant to many antibiotics that can cause infections in various body parts.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, often requiring specific precautions.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A group of related viruses that can cause various cancers, transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

Critical Level Disinfection

Requires sterilization to destroy all viable microorganisms.

Semicritical Level Disinfection

Requires high-level disinfection to destroy all viable microorganisms except bacterial spores.

Noncritical Level Disinfection

Requires intermediate to low-level disinfection to destroy most vegetative bacteria and viruses.

Isolation Techniques

Protocols aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases and microorganisms.

Strict Isolation

Form of isolation protecting others from highly contagious diseases.

Reverse Isolation

Protects immunocompromised patients from infections.

Sonographer Responsibilities

Practices and protocols followed by sonographers to prevent infection in healthcare settings.

Proper Hand Hygiene

The practice of thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

Needlestick Injury Protocols

Procedures to follow in case of a needle stick or sharp injury.

Disinfection with 35% Hydrogen Peroxide

A method proposed for high-level disinfection effective against HPV.