disinfection

Medical term Infection Control and Safety

Removing or killing pathogens on objects and surfaces; even high-level disinfection may not destroy all bacterial spores.

Sources

Related terms

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.
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.
engineering controlsDevices that isolate or remove a bloodborne pathogen hazard, such as sharps containers and safety-engineered…