absence of disease-producing microorganisms; using methods to prevent infection
Term
medical asepsis
Definition
, or clean technique, involves procedures and practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens. Medical asepsis procedures include performing hand hygiene and wearing gloves.
Term
Definition
, or sterile technique, includes practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms. Surgical asepsis procedures include inserting an indwelling urinary catheter or inserting an IV catheter.
Term
exogenous
Definition
when the causative organism is acquired from other people.
Term
endogenous
Definition
endogenous: infection in which the causative organism comes from microbial life harbored within the person
Term
Health-care associated Infection
(HAI)
Definition
during the course of treatment for other conditions that were not present in this patient on admission.
