CHAPTER 5 INFECTION 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.

Federal Agencies

Set guidelines for the manufacture, sale, and use of equipment and chemical ingredients and monitor safety in the workplace.

State Agencies

Regulate licensing, enforcement, and conduct when on the job, including licensing agencies and health departments.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; part of the U.S Department of Labor that regulates safety and health standards to protect employees.

SDS

Safety Data Sheet; a 16 category, standard format document that contains information on the hazards of chemicals.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency; registers disinfectants and ensures they are effective against listed pathogens.

Contagious Disease

Capable of being spread from one person to another, also known as a communicable disease.

Contamination

The presence or reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an items surface.

Decontamination

The removal of blood or infectious materials from an item’s surface and the removal of visible debris.

Diagnosis

Determination of the nature of a disease from its symptoms and/or diagnostic tests.

Germs

Nonscientific synonym for disease-causing organisms.

Inflammation

A condition in which body tissue reacts to injury, irritation, or infection, characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.

Local Infection

An infection confined to a particular part of the body, appearing as a lesion containing pus.

Systemic Infection

An infection where the pathogen distributes throughout the body rather than remaining localized.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a type of infectious bacteria resistant to conventional treatments.

Virus

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

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; virus that causes AIDS and is spread through blood and bodily fluids.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system caused by HIV.

Fungi

Single-celled organisms that include molds, mildews, and yeasts, capable of producing contagious diseases.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; specialized clothing worn for protection against hazards.

Waterless Hand Sanitizers

Chemical germicides for use on skin, registered and regulated by the FDA, not used for disinfecting surfaces.

Standard Precautions

Set by the CDC to assume that any human blood or body fluids are potentially infectious.

Efficacy

Effectiveness of a product; its ability to produce the intended effect.

Disinfecting

The second step of infection control that does not eliminate bacterial spores and requires an EPA registration number.

Biofilms

Colonies of microorganisms that resist antiseptics and disinfectants through a sticky matrix substance.

Cleaning

A mechanical process using soap and water to remove visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs.

Sterilization

The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.

Quats

Quaternary ammonium compounds, effective on nonporous surfaces.

Phenolic Disinfectant

Powerful tuberculosis disinfectants, harmful to skin and known carcinogens.

Logbook

A book of all equipment usage, cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance records.