Occupational Risk in Medical Technology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to occupational risk in medical technology and infection control.

Occupational Risk

The potential for injury or illness to occur due to job-related activities or conditions.

Infection Control Mechanisms

Methods and practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Air-borne Transmitted Infections

Infections spread through the air via respiratory droplets.

Blood-Borne Diseases

Diseases transmitted through contact with infected blood or blood products.

Vector-Borne Infections

Diseases transmitted by vectors such as insects or animals.

Nosocomial Infections

Infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare facility.

Needle Stick Injuries

Injuries caused by needles or sharp objects that penetrate the skin.

Physical Hazards

Environmental factors that can cause physical injury or health issues.

Ergonomics

The study of designing equipment and tasks to fit the worker, minimizing risk of injury.

Hazard

A source of danger that poses the risk of injury or damage.

Risk

The probability of injury or loss occurring from a hazard.

Chemical Hazards

Substances that can cause health problems, ranging from mild irritation to serious diseases.

Biological Hazards

Hazards caused by living organisms that can cause infectious diseases.

Physical Hazards

Environmental factors that can cause injury or illness due to conditions or materials.

Ergonomic Hazards

Risks associated with the design of the workplace that can result in musculoskeletal disorders.

Psychosocial Hazards

Stressors in the workplace that negatively affect mental health.

Infectious Agent

Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that cause diseases.

Standard Operating Procedures

Written instructions outlining how to perform specific tasks safely.

Standard Precautions

Basic infection prevention practices to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Proper Handling Practices

Safe methods of managing potentially hazardous materials or situations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Clothing and gear worn to protect against health or safety risks.

Universal Precautions

A set of safety practices to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of cleaning hands to remove dirt, germs, and pathogens.

Chain of Infection

The process by which infections are transmitted from one host to another.

Portal of Exit

The path by which a pathogen exits its host.

Means of Transmission

The method by which an infectious agent is transferred to another host.

Portal of Entry

The area through which a pathogen enters a new host.

Susceptible Host

An individual who is at risk of infection due to lack of immunity.

Droplet Transmission

Transmission of infection through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes.

Contact Transmission

Spread of infection through physical touch.

Airborne Transmission

Spread of infection via aerosols that remain suspended in the air.

Vector Transmission

Transmission of infection through vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks.

Patient Isolation

Separating infected patients to prevent the spread of infection.

Infection Control Program

A structured plan to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings.

Surveillance Data

Data collected to monitor infection trends and outbreaks.

Immunization

The process of making an individual immune or resistant to an infectious disease.

Segregation of Infected Patients

Keeping infected individuals isolated to reduce transmission risk.

Environmental Cleaning

Procedures aimed at maintaining cleanliness in healthcare environments.

Disinfection

The process of destroying most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces.

Waste Disposal

Safe management of medical waste to prevent environmental contamination.

Biohazard

Biological material that poses a threat to the health of living organisms.

Incubation Stage

The period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms appear.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

A virus that can cause severe liver disease transmitted through blood.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

A virus transmitted primarily through direct blood-to-blood contact.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The virus that causes AIDS, primarily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A serious bacterial infection affecting the lungs, transmitted through the air.

COVID-19

An infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily spread via respiratory droplets.

Staphylococcus aureus

A common bacterium that can cause a range of infections, often resistant to antibiotics.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

A bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, commonly associated with urinary tract infections.

Influenza Virus

The virus responsible for the flu, spread through respiratory droplets.

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease preventable by vaccination.

Clinical Laboratory

A facility that performs tests on clinical specimens for diagnosis and treatment.

Pathogen

Any microorganism that can cause disease.

Cleanliness Protocols

Guidelines for maintaining a clean and hygienic work environment.

Isolation Precautions

Preventive measures taken to limit the spread of infectious diseases.

Aerosol

Tiny airborne particles that can carry infectious agents.

Contaminated Items

Materials that have been exposed to infectious agents and pose a risk of transmission.

Respiratory Hygiene

Practices that prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens.

Cough Etiquette

Behavioral practices to minimize spread of respiratory illness.

Liquid Waste

Medical waste that can leak or spill, requiring special handling.

Sharps Waste

Items such as needles and blades that can cause cuts or punctures.

Infectious Waste

Waste that contains pathogens and poses a risk to public health.

Pathological Waste

Human or animal tissues that are considered infectious.

Sodium Hypochlorite

A common disinfectant, often used for cleaning biohazardous materials.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The U.S. agency that regulates workplace safety and health.

Infection Control Practitioner

A healthcare professional who oversees infection control practices.

Epidemiologist

A scientist who studies how diseases spread and can be controlled.

Hand Sanitation

The process of using hand sanitizers to kill germs on hands.

Cleaning Procedure

Steps taken to clean surfaces and eliminate contaminants.

Biological Safety Cabinet

An enclosed workspace designed to protect against exposure to airborne pathogens.

Regulated Medical Waste

Waste that is subject to strict regulations due to its potential to cause infection.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Detailed, written instructions to achieve uniformity in performing a specific function.

Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them.

Clinical Guidelines

Systematic recommendations to assist healthcare decisions related to patient care.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Serologic Testing

Laboratory tests used to detect antibodies in the blood.

Chain of Custody

The process of maintaining and documenting the handling of samples.

Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to laws and regulations governing safety and health standards.

Surveillance

Continuous monitoring of data and health patterns to identify and control outbreaks.

Prevention Strategies

Actions taken to reduce the risk of infections occurring.

Treatment Protocols

Standardized methods for managing specific medical conditions.

Injury Reporting Procedures

Methods for documenting and addressing workplace injuries.

Occupational Health

Area of public health that focuses on the physical and mental well-being of employees.

Workplace Safety Training

Educational programs designed to inform workers about health and safety practices.

Public Health Guidelines

Recommendations aimed at protecting community health and preventing disease.

Patient safety

The prevention of errors and adverse effects in the healthcare environment.

Clinical Practice

The application of medical knowledge in patient care settings.

Laboratory Safety Culture

The shared commitment to safety and health in laboratory settings.

Infection Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Hygienic Practices

Methods used to maintain a clean environment and personal hygiene.

Blood-Borne Pathogens

Microorganisms carried in blood that can cause diseases.

Specimen Collection

The process of obtaining biological samples for testing.

Urgent Health Alerts

Immediate notifications concerning public health threats.

Medical Waste Regulations

Laws guiding the handling and disposal of medical waste.

Natural Immunity

Innate resistance acquired through previous infection with a pathogen.

Acquired Immunity

Resistance developed by exposure to a pathogen through vaccination or infection.

Invasive Procedures

Medical interventions that penetrate the body, increasing infection risk.

Emergency Procedures

Actions taken in response to urgent medical situations.

Staff Training Programs

Educational sessions aimed at enhancing worker skills in health and safety.