defintions Flashcards
Aerobic
growing only in the presence of molecular oxygen.
Anaerobic
Growing only in the absence of molecular oxygen (lockjaw, tetanus)
Antisepsis
The application of an antimicrobial chemical to the skin or mucous membranes to reduce the microbial population
Antiseptic
An agent used for antisepsis it may either kill microorganisms or inhibit the growth
Asepsis
Freedom from infection the absence of microorganisms that cause disease
Aseptic technique
Performance characterized by precautions for the constant exclusion of micro organisms. This means a method of working while maintaining a Sterile area by avoiding contact with anything which is not sterile
Auto clave
Common term applied to sterilizing by steam under pressure which kills all bacteria including spores
Bactericide
A substance which destroys bacteria but not spores
Bacteriostatic
Inhibiting the growth or multiplication of the bacteria
Cleaning
The process used to free a surface from dirt or other extraneous organic or inorganic materials
Concurrent disinfection or sterilization
Disinfecting or sterilizing process carried out during the course of a disease
Contamination
The presence of a pathogenic agent on a body surface or an adamant article or in a substance
Decontamination
A process or method where by an object with material is rendered free of microorganisms and safe for handling without gloves
Degerm
Process of reducing the microbial flora of the skin or mucous membranes the effect of antisepsis
Detergent
Chemical substance for mixture of substances that has cleansing action because of a combination of properties including lowering of surface tension wedding action emulsifying dispersion action and foam formation
Detergent/germicide
A solution containing a detergent for cleaning purposes and a germicide for antimicropropial action
Disinfectant
Chemical agent which rapidly destroys most micro organisms. A disinfectant is usually stronger than And anti-septic. Since a concentration of chemicals that injures bacterial cells made into a human tissue cells as well, most disinfectants should not be used on skin or mucous membrane
Disinfection
Any process, chemical or physical, which removes, controls or destroys the growth of micro organisms. While chemical disinfection rapidly kills vegetable cells, it may not kill all spores and viruses.
Infection
Multiplication of pathogenic microorganism’s, in or on body tissue
Infectious agent
A pathogenic microorganism
Micro organisms
A minute living organism invisible to the naked eye
Non-pathogenic microorganisms
Micro organisms which do not produce disease
Opportunists
Bacteria that do not normally invade the tissue, but are capable of causing infection or disease if introduced mechanically into the body injury
Pathogenic microorganisms
Any micro organism that produces infectious disease, are capable of invading healthy tissue by their ability to produce toxins
Sanitization
The active making environmental conditions favorable to health. It frequently involves a process which reduces the number of Michael organisms to a level which is considered safe menus. Example-Adding weak disinfectant concentration to cleaning solution for dishes
Sepsis
A general reaction, usually febrile, the result of the action of bacteria or the products or both
Septic
Relating to sepsis – affected by pathogenic organisms
Spores
An inactive blue viable form of bacteria. Certain bacteria may assume this form under adverse conditions
Sterility
The state attained by sterilization
Surgically clean
Mechanically cleanse but unsterile
Terminal disinfection or sterilization
Disinfecting or sterilizing process carried out when a patient is discharged or at the termination of a communicable disease
