Healthcare Associated Infections
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in NHS Decontamination Practices course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
AAMI stands for Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, whic… #
Related terms include ANSI, which is the American National Standards Institute, and ISO, which is the International Organization for Standardization. AAMI standards are widely adopted in the healthcare industry and provide guidance on the decontamination and sterilization of medical devices.
Airborne precautions refer to a set of infection control measures designe… #
Related terms include droplet precautions and contact precautions. Airborne precautions typically involve the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks and respirators, and the implementation of ventilation controls to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, which is a non #
profit organization that develops and publishes voluntary standards for a wide range of industries, including healthcare. Related terms include AAMI and ISO. ANSI standards provide guidance on various aspects of healthcare, including decontamination and sterilization, and are widely adopted in the healthcare industry.
Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to resis… #
Related terms include antibiotic resistance and multidrug resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern, as it can make infections more difficult to treat and increase the risk of adverse outcomes.
Antisepsis refers to the use of antiseptic agents to reduce the growth of… #
Related terms include disinfection and sterilization. Antisepsis is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it can help prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Asepsis refers to a state of being free from pathogenic microorgan… #
Related terms include antisepsis and sterilization. Asepsis is an important concept in healthcare, as it is essential for preventing the transmission of infections and ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
Aseptic technique refers to a set of principles and practices desi… #
Related terms include sterile technique and infection control. Aseptic technique is critical in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Autoclave refers to a device used to sterilize equipment and supplies usi… #
Related terms include steam sterilizer and disinfector. Autoclaves are widely used in healthcare settings to sterilize medical devices and equipment, and are an essential component of decontamination and sterilization protocols.
Bacterial spores are highly resistant forms of bacteria that can survive… #
Related terms include bacterial endospores and vegetative cells. Bacterial spores are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can be difficult to kill and can cause infections in patients.
Biofilm refers to a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to su… #
Related terms include biofouling and adhesion. Biofilms can be difficult to remove and can provide a reservoir for pathogens in healthcare settings.
Biological indicator refers to a device or system used to monitor the eff… #
Related terms include chemical indicator and physical indicator. Biological indicators are used to verify that sterilization processes have been successful in killing microorganisms.
CDC stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is a US … #
Related terms include WHO and infection control. The CDC provides guidance on various aspects of infection control, including decontamination and sterilization, and is a widely recognized authority in the field.
Chemical disinfection refers to the use of chemical agents to inactiva… #
Related terms include physical disinfection and sterilization. Chemical disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it can help prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, debris, and microorganisms … #
Related terms include disinfection and sterilization. Cleaning is an essential step in the decontamination process, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Contact precautions refer to a set of infection control measures designed… #
Related terms include airborne precautions and droplet precautions. Contact precautions typically involve the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and gowns, and the implementation of protocols to reduce the risk of contact transmission.
Contamination refers to the presence of microorganisms or other <b… #
Related terms include pollution and soil. Contamination is a major concern in healthcare settings, as it can lead to the transmission of pathogens and increase the risk of infection.
Critical site refers to an area of the body that is highly susceptible to… #
Related terms include non-critical site and semi-critical site. Critical sites require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Decontamination refers to the process of removing or inactivating … #
Related terms include cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Decontamination is an essential aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Detergent refers to a chemical agent used to clean and remove</… #
Related terms include soap and disinfectant. Detergents are an essential component of the cleaning process, as they help remove microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection.
Disinfection refers to the process of inactivating or killing</… #
Related terms include sterilization and antisepsis. Disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Disinfector refers to a device or system used to disinfect equipment and… #
Related terms include autoclave and sterilizer. Disinfectors are widely used in healthcare settings to disinfect medical devices and equipment, and are an essential component of decontamination protocols.
Dry heat sterilization refers to a method of sterilization that uses dry… #
Related terms include moist heat sterilization and chemical sterilization. Dry heat sterilization is used for equipment and supplies that are sensitive to moisture, and is an effective method for killing microorganisms.
Endoscope refers to a medical device used to visually examine the interio… #
Related terms include colonoscope and gastroscope. Endoscopes require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection, as they can be difficult to clean and disinfect.
EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency, which is a US federal age… #
Related terms include FDA and OSHA. The EPA provides guidance on the safe use of disinfectants and sterilants, and is a widely recognized authority in the field.
FDA stands for Food and Drug Administration, which is a US federal agency… #
Related terms include EPA and CDC. The FDA provides guidance on the safe use of medical devices and drugs, and is a widely recognized authority in the field.
Fomite refers to an inanimate object that can harbor or transmi… #
Related terms include vector and reservoir. Fomites can be a source of infection in healthcare settings, and require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Glove refers to a barrier device worn on the hand to prevent the trans… #
Related terms include gown and mask. Gloves are an essential component of personal protective equipment, and are widely used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Healthcare #
associated infection refers to an infection that is acquired in a healthcare setting. Related terms include nosocomial infection and hospital-acquired infection. Healthcare-associated infections are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can be severe and even life-threatening.
Hygiene refers to the practices and procedures used to maintain <b… #
Related terms include sanitation and infection control. Hygiene is an essential aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Infection control refers to the practices and procedures used to p… #
Related terms include hygiene and sterilization. Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization, which is a glo… #
Related terms include AAMI and ANSI. ISO standards provide guidance on various aspects of healthcare, including decontamination and sterilization, and are widely adopted in the healthcare industry.
Mask refers to a barrier device worn over the nose and mouth to prevent t… #
Related terms include glove and gown. Masks are an essential component of personal protective equipment, and are widely used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Medical device refers to a product used to diagnose, treat, or prevent… #
Related terms include medical equipment and instrument. Medical devices require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection, as they can be difficult to clean and disinfect.
Microorganism refers to a living organism that is too small to be seen wi… #
Related terms include bacteria, virus, and fungus. Microorganisms can cause infection and disease in humans, and are a major concern in healthcare settings.
Moist heat sterilization refers to a method of sterilization that uses mo… #
Related terms include dry heat sterilization and chemical sterilization. Moist heat sterilization is widely used in healthcare settings to sterilize medical devices and equipment, and is an effective method for killing microorganisms.
Non #
critical site refers to an area of the body that is not highly susceptible to infection, such as the skin. Related terms include critical site and semi-critical site. Non-critical sites require less stringent precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Nosocomial infection refers to an infection that is acquired in a healthc… #
Related terms include healthcare-associated infection and hospital-acquired infection. Nosocomial infections are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can be severe and even life-threatening.
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a US<… #
OSHA provides guidance on the safe use of personal protective equipment and hazardous materials, and is a widely recognized authority in the field.
Pathogen refers to a microorganism that can cause disease or in… #
Pathogens are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can cause severe and even life-threatening infections.
Personal protective equipment refers to devices or clothing worn t… #
Related terms include glove, mask, and gown. Personal protective equipment is an essential component of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Physical disinfection refers to the use of physical methods, such as heat… #
Related terms include chemical disinfection and sterilization. Physical disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it can help prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Prion refers to a type of protein that can cause disease or inf… #
Prions are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can cause severe and even life-threatening infections.
Reservoir refers to a source or location where microorganisms can… #
Related terms include vector and fomite. Reservoirs can be a source of infection in healthcare settings, and require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Sanitation refers to the practices and procedures used to maintain… #
Related terms include hygiene and infection control. Sanitation is an essential aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Semi #
critical site refers to an area of the body that is susceptible to infection, but not as highly susceptible as a critical site. Related terms include critical site and non-critical site. Semi-critical sites require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Sterile technique refers to a set of principles and practices desi… #
Related terms include aseptic technique and infection control. Sterile technique is critical in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Sterilization refers to the process of killing all microorganisms… #
Related terms include disinfection and decontamination. Sterilization is an essential aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduces the risk of infection.
Sterilizer refers to a device or system used to sterilize equipment and s… #
Related terms include autoclave and disinfector. Sterilizers are widely used in healthcare settings to sterilize medical devices and equipment, and are an essential component of decontamination protocols.
Surface disinfection refers to the process of inactivating or k… #
Related terms include equipment disinfection and environmental disinfection. Surface disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it can help prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Surgical site infection refers to an infection that occurs at the site of… #
Related terms include postoperative infection and wound infection. Surgical site infections are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can be severe and even life-threatening.
Terminal sterilization refers to a method of sterilization that is used t… #
Related terms include intermittent sterilization and continuous sterilization. Terminal sterilization is widely used in healthcare settings to sterilize medical devices and equipment, and is an effective method for killing microorganisms.
UV light disinfection refers to the use of ultraviolet light to inacti… #
Related terms include chemical disinfection and physical disinfection. UV light disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in healthcare settings, as it can help prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Vector refers to an agent or vehicle that can transmit micr… #
Related terms include fomite and reservoir. Vectors can be a source of infection in healthcare settings, and require special precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
WHO stands for World Health Organization, which is a global organization… #
Related terms include CDC and infection control. The WHO provides guidance on various aspects of infection control, including decontamination and sterilization, and is a widely recognized authority in the field.
Wound infection refers to an infection that occurs in a wound or <… #
Related terms include surgical site infection and postoperative infection. Wound infections are a major concern in healthcare settings, as they can be severe and even life-threatening.