Key Terminology Flashcards
Sepsis
The presence in tissues of harmful bacteria and their toxins
Asepsis
The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Antisepsis
The practice of using antiseptics to eliminate the microorganisms that cause disease.
Sterilisation
The removal of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
Disinfection
The removal of microorganisms, but not necessarily all pathogens and their spores (reduction in number of microbes).
Disinfectant
A chemical agent that kills, or prevents the multiplication of, microorganisms on inanimate objects. May be known as ‘environmental disinfectant’.
Detergent
A chemical that removes dirt and grease, to be used before disinfectant.
Micro-organism
Microscopic organism (bacteria, fungi, Protozoa). We often think of them as disease producing.
Memory
The ability of the material to return to its original shape.
Capillary
The extent to which fluid moves along the suture.
Tissue reaction
The inflammatory response of tissue to the material.
Tensile strength
The ability to withstand being pulled apart.
Tissue drag
The friction force as the suture is pulled through the tissues.
Strike through
The transfer of moisture through an absorbent material.
