Aseptic technique

practices used by the surgical team to prevent transmission of pathogenic microorganisms; including surgical scrub process or preoperative skin preparation of the patient among others

Bioterrorism

the use of biological agents (bacteria or viruses) in terrorist attacks to cause death or widespread disease in humans, animals, or plants

BBPs - blood borne pathogens

Microorganisms capable of causing infection or disease which are spread through direct blood-to-blood contact via sharps injury, intravenous needle-sharing, unprotected sexual contact, contamination of mucous membranes, maternal-fetal circulation, or blood transfusion.

Cell Theory

Made by Robert Hooke - his observation of living units he termed "cells" which stated that all life was composed of these building blocks,

Chemotherapy

treatment of disease with chemical substances or pharmaceutical agents which have a toxic or suppressive effect on the disease-causing microorganisms or neoplastic tissue

Conjunction

a coupling together or the process in which genetic information transferred through cell-to-cell contact between bacteria

Endemic

Pertaining to an infectious disease that is constantly present in a region, community, or population, but involves relatively few numbers of people and low rates or mortality.

Epidemic

Pertaining to an infectious disease that occurs with a greater-than-normal incidence rate at the same time in a geographical area.

Etiology

The cause of origin of something; the reason of a patient's illness or infection

Germ Theory of Disease

a scientific theory that pathogenic microbes are the cause of disease and illness

Germ Warfare

Military use of pathogenic microorganism as a weapon against an enemy. AKA biological warfare

Gram Stain

A laboratory method developed by Han Gram which involves the staining of bacteria with crystal violet, rinsing, staining with iodine solution, rinsing, counterstaining with carbolfuchsin, and rinsing again.

Immunity

The state of having a natural or acquired protection against an infectious disease

Immunocompromised

The state or condition of having a lowered immune system, which makes an individual vulnerable to pathogenic and/or opportunistic infections.

Inoculated

The process of transmitting a pathogen to produce growth for analysis or transmitting an antigen, antitoxin, or antiserum to produce immunity to specific disease.

Koch's postulates

A sequence of steps established by the German physician Robert Koch for experimentally demonstrating in the laboratory that a specific microbe causes a specific disease.

Other Potentially infectious materials

OPIMs

Describes potential exposure risks seperate from blood-borne pathogens for healthcare workers.

Pandemic

an infectious disease that occurs worldwide or in a majority of the population of a large geographic region.

Pasteurization

Named after Louis Pasteur, the process of using heat to kill bacteria without affecting the chemical composition or taste of a beverage such as milk.

Penicillin

The antibiotic ever developed. Discovered and named by Alexander Fleming. Produced by the mold called Penicillium notatum and P. chrysogenum.

Personal protective (PPE)

components of attire worn to protect against exposure to physical and biological hazards including masks, gloves, goggles/shields, respirators, gowns, lead aprons, and shoe covers.

Petri Dishes

a round, shallow glass or plastic dish with a cover that contains solid culture media to grow microbes. Developed by Robert Koch's assistant Julius Petri

Puerperal fever

a syndrome characterized by a systemic bacterial infection and septicemia suffered by a mother in the period immediately after childbirth.

Pure culture technique

a laboratory technique used to ensure the growth of only one type of microbe on a culture medium in a petri dish or in a broth medium.

Quarantine

a procedure utilized to protect the public by seperating, isolating, and restricting the movement of individuals demonstrating symptoms of a contagious disease or those exposed to infectious disease in order to determine their status and potential transmissibility.

Sterilant

Any agent, physical or chemical capable of destroying all living microorganisms, including spores, to render an object sterile.

Surgical conscience

the honesty and moral integrity that the surgical technologist must possess in order to: always practice strict aseptic and sterile techniques; not hesitate to admit a mistake or break in technique; take corrective actions to prevent potential harm to the patient from acquiring a surgical wound infection or any other preventable injury.

Vaccination