Surgical Asepsis Terminology

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or other harmful agents

Antimicrobial

Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

Antiseptic

A chemical substance applied to living tissue to reduce the number of pathogens present

Asepsis

Methods and practices used to ensure an environment is free from disease-causing microorganisms

Bacteriostasis

The inhibition or slowing of bacterial growth without necessarily killing the bacteria

Chlorhexidine

A widely used antibacterial agent with long-lasting residual activity, commonly used as a skin antiseptic and disinfectant

Contamination

The process by which an object, surface, or area becomes unclean or unsterile through contact with microorganisms

Disinfectant

A chemical agent used on nonliving objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms

Immunosuppression

A reduction in the body’s ability to fight infection, often caused by illness, medications, surgery, or medical treatments

Intraoperative

Occurring during a surgical procedure

Medical Asepsis

Infection-control practices used in healthcare settings to reduce the number and spread of microorganisms

Nosocomial

Refers to infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting

Pathogen

Any organism capable of causing disease like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

Perioperative

Relating to the entire surgical period, including preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and postoperative phases

Preoperative

Pertaining to the period before surgery

Sepsis

The presence of disease-causing microorganisms or their toxins in the blood or tissues, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition

Spore

A highly resistant reproductive structure produced by certain microorganisms that can survive harsh environmental conditions

Staphylococcus

A group of gram-positive bacteria that can cause localized infections and serious systemic illness

Sterile

Completely free from all living microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores

Sterile Field

A designated area that is maintained free of microorganisms and prepared using sterile technique

Sterile Technique

Practices used to eliminate all microorganisms and prevent contamination of sterile areas or the patient during procedures

Sterilization

A process that dest4roys all forms of microorganisms like spores and viruses

Subungal

Located underneath a fingernail or toenail

Surgical Asepsis

Techniques used to eliminate all pathogenic organisms; aka sterile technique

Surgical Scrub

A standardized procedure used to disinfect the hands and arms up to the elbows prior to donning sterile attire and participating in sterile procedures