| A | B |
|---|
| Aseptic Technique: | The practice of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent contamination during blood collection procedures. |
| Standard Precautions: | Guidelines that assume all patients may carry infectious agents, emphasizing hand hygiene, proper PPE (personal protective equipment), and safe handling of sharp instruments. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): | Items like gloves, face shields, masks, and gowns that protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. |
| Needle Stick Injury: | Accidental puncture of the skin by a needle, which can transmit infections if the needle is contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. |
| Bloodborne Pathogens: | Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. |
| Sterilization: | The process of eliminating all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from medical equipment using methods like autoclaving or chemical disinfectants. |
| Disinfection: | The process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from surfaces or instruments using chemicals or heat, but not as thoroughly as sterilization. |
| Universal Precautions: | Safety measures designed to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and other bloodborne pathogens, including the use of gloves, masks, and safe needle disposal. |
| Sharps Disposal: | Proper disposal of needles, lancets, and other sharp instruments in designated puncture-resistant containers to prevent accidental injuries. |
| Hand Hygiene: | Thorough handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of transferring infectious agents. |
| Infection Control Plan: | A formal policy outlining steps to prevent the spread of infections, including vaccination requirements and protocols for handling potential exposures. |
| Biohazardous Waste: | Any waste that poses a threat to human health or the environment, especially contaminated needles, blood, and bodily fluids. |
| Contaminated: | When an object or area has been exposed to pathogens or infectious agents. Cross-Contamination: |
| Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): | Medication or treatment given to prevent infection after exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV. |
| Needleless Systems: | Devices that allow for blood collection or other procedures without the use of needles, reducing the risk of needle stick injuries |
| Antiseptic: | A substance used to reduce the number of pathogens on living tissue, typically applied to the skin before a procedure. |
| Sepsis: | A life-threatening infection that can result from the entry of pathogens into the bloodstream, potentially caused by improper infection control during blood collection. |
| Isolation Precautions: | Infection control measures for patients known or suspected to have contagious diseases, including the use of personal protective equipment and designated patient areas. |
| Isolation Gown: | A protective garment worn to prevent exposure to infectious agents, typically used when handling patients with communicable diseases. |
| Cross-Contamination: | The transfer of harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens from one surface or patient to another. |
