antigen
Medical term Infection Control and Safety
A substance the immune system recognizes as foreign, which can trigger antibody production.
Sources
Related terms
- antibodyA protein made by the immune system that targets a specific antigen; also called an immunoglobulin.
- active immunityImmunity produced by a person's own immune system after infection or vaccination.
- airborne precautionsA fit-tested N95 or higher respirator and an airborne infection isolation room for diseases such as…
- airborne transmissionSpread of pathogens in tiny particles or droplet nuclei that stay suspended in the air.
- bloodborne pathogensMicroorganisms in human blood that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus and…
- chain of infectionThe six linked steps needed for an infection to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of…
- contact precautionsGown and gloves for patients with infections spread by touch, such as MRSA or C. difficile.
- decontaminationRemoving or destroying bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item so it is safe to handle, use or discard.
- disinfectionRemoving or killing pathogens on objects and surfaces; even high-level disinfection may not destroy all…