Nurs. 209 Lab asepsis and infection control

Key terms

health care-associated infections

infections caused by a wide variety of common and unusual bacteria, fungi, and viruses during the course of receiving medical care

medical asepsis

clean technique, involves procedures and practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens

pathogen

disease producing microorganisms

personal protective equipment

specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials

standard precautions

precautions used in the care of all hospitalized patients regardless of their diagnosis or possible infection status; these precautions apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes

surgical asepsis

sterile technique; involves practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms

transmission based precautions

Precautions used in addition to standard precautions for patients in hospitals who are suspected of being infected with pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or contact routes; these precautions encompass all the diseases or conditions previously listed in the disease-specific or category-specific classification