decontamination
Medical term Infection Control and Safety
Removing or destroying bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item so it is safe to handle, use or discard.
Related terms
- bloodborne pathogensMicroorganisms in human blood that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus and…
- antibodyA protein made by the immune system that targets a specific antigen; also called an immunoglobulin.
- antigenA substance the immune system recognizes as foreign, which can trigger antibody production.
- 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.
- disinfectionRemoving or killing pathogens on objects and surfaces; even high-level disinfection may not destroy all…
- droplet precautionsA mask for close contact with patients whose infections spread by respiratory droplets, such as influenza or…
- droplet transmissionSpread of pathogens in respiratory droplets released by coughing, sneezing or talking.
- endemicA disease constantly present in a particular geographic area.
Study Infection Control and Safety