Chapter 8 Terminology

Question 1

Decontamination Area

Answer 1

The location within a healthcare facility designated for the collection, retention and cleaning of soiled and contaminated items.

Question 2

Humidity

Answer 2

Amount of water vapor in the atmosphere; expressed as a percentage of the total amount of vapor the atmosphere could hold without condensation.

Question 3

Negative Pressure

Answer 3

Air pressure inside the room that is lower than the air pressure outside the room, causing the air to flow into the room with the lower (negative) air pressure.

Question 4

Biohazardous Waste

Answer 4

Waste containing infectious agents that present a risk or potential risk to human health.

Question 5

Utility Water

Answer 5

Water as it comes from the tap that may need further treatment to achieve the required specifications. This water is mainly used for flushing, washing and rinsing.

Question 6

Critical Water

Answer 6

Water that is extensively treated to ensure that microorganisms and organic and inorganic material are removed.

Question 7

Biocide

Answer 7

A substance or microorganism that kills or controls the growth of living organisms.

Question 8

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Answer 8

A water purification process by which impurities are removed from water using a semipermeable membrane.

Question 9

Deionized (DI) Water

Answer 9

Water that has had all ions removed through an ion exchange process.

Question 10

Distilled Water

Answer 10

Water that is heated to steam, then allowed to cool and condense.

Question 11

Cavitation

Answer 11

The process used by an ultrasonic cleaner in which low-pressure bubbles collapse (implode) and dislodge soil from instruments.

Question 12

Electroplating

Answer 12

A process that uses electrical current in a solution to produce a metallic coating.

Question 13

Impingement

Answer 13

The spray-force action of pressurized water against instruments being processed to physically remove bioburden.

Question 14

Thermal Disinfection

Answer 14

Use of heat to reduce the amount of microorganisms (excluding spores) on a medical device.

Question 15

Emulsifier

Answer 15

Any ingredient used to bind together substances that typically do not combine such as oil and water.

Question 16

Surfactant

Answer 16

A substance that lowers the surface tension of the water and increases the solubility of organic compounds.

Question 17

Chelating Agents

Answer 17

Chemicals that hold hard water minerals in solution and prevent soap or detergent from reacting with the minerals.

Question 18

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS)

Answer 18

Acute postoperative inflammatory reaction in which a noninfectious substance enters the anterior segment of the eye and induces toxic damage to the intraocular tissues.