1.
Absence of disease-producing microorganisms; maintaining a sterile environment.
2.
A chemical used on skin or tissue to inhibit or destroy microorganisms.
3.
A chemical used on non-living surfaces to destroy pathogens.
4.
Completely free of all microorganisms, including spores.
5.
The presence of harmful substances or microorganisms on an object or surface.
6.
A microorganism capable of causing disease.
7.
An organism that harbors and provides nourishment for another organism (such as a pathogen).
8.
living organism (like a mosquito) that transmits infectious disease.
9.
A nonliving object that can carry infectious agents (e.g., door handles, stethoscopes).
10.
of infection The process by which an infection spreads from one host to another; includes six links (agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host).
11.
(Healthcare-Associated Infection) An infection acquired in a healthcare facility.
12.
Infection patients get while receiving treatment for another condition in a healthcare setting.
13.
Precautions:** Guidelines used by healthcare workers to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids.
14.
Precautions Additional infection control measures used for patients known or suspected to be infected with specific pathogens.
15.
Precautions Used for diseases that spread through tiny droplets in the air (e.g., TB, measles).
16.
Precautions Used for diseases spread by larger droplets (e.g., influenza, COVID-19).
17.
Precaution Used for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact (e.g., MRSA, C. difficile)
18.
(Personal Protective Equipment) Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards (gloves, gowns, masks, goggles).
19.
Hygiene The most effective way to prevent the spread of infection; includes handwashing or using alcohol-based hand rubs.
20.
Separating patients to prevent the spread of infection.
21.
A tiny living organism that can only be seen under a microscope (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa).
22.
Single-celled microorganisms that can be beneficial or cause infections.
23.
A microorganism that requires a host cell to reproduce and cause infection.
24.
A microorganism that includes yeasts and molds; can cause infections like athlete's foot or ringworm.
25.
An organism that lives on or inside another organism and causes harm.
26.
When bacteria adapt and become resistant to the effects of antibiotics.
27.
A device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize medical equipment.
28.
A biological substance that poses a threat to human health.
29.
Period The time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.
30.
The sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease in a specific area or group.