a-IPC key terms

A model describing the six linked conditions needed for an infection to spread: a pathogen, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host. Breaking any link prevents transmission.

Any place where infectious agents live and multiply, such as a human body, water, soil, or contaminated equipment. Removing or controlling reservoirs is one way to interrupt the chain of infection.

The route by which a pathogen travels from a reservoir to a host. Common routes include contact, droplet, airborne, and vector-borne spread; knowing the route guides which precautions are used.

A person who lacks resistance to a particular pathogen and can therefore become infected. Factors such as age, illness, wounds, medications, and weakened immunity increase susceptibility.

Baseline infection prevention practices applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection as needed, safe injection practices, and safe handling of equipment and waste.

Extra precautions used in addition to standard precautions when a specific pathogen spreads easily. They are grouped as contact, droplet, and airborne precautions and are chosen based on how the organism is transmitted.

Measures used for pathogens spread by direct or indirect touch, such as MRSA or C. difficile. They typically include gloves, a gown, dedicated equipment, and sometimes a private room.

Measures used for pathogens spread by large respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, such as influenza. They typically include a surgical mask and keeping a short distance from the patient.

Measures used for pathogens that remain infectious while suspended in the air over long distances, such as tuberculosis or measles. They typically include a fit-tested respirator and an airborne infection isolation room.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to remove or kill microorganisms. It is the single most effective routine action for preventing transmission in care settings.

A gel, foam, or liquid containing alcohol used to reduce microorganisms on hands without water. It is fast and effective for most situations but does not remove visible soil or reliably kill some spore-forming organisms.

A framework describing the key times to clean hands: before touching a patient, before a clean procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings.

Barriers worn to protect the wearer and others from exposure to infectious material, including gloves, gowns, masks, respirators, and eye protection. It must be put on and removed in the correct order.

Wearing gloves as a barrier when contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces is expected. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene and should be changed between tasks and patients.

A tight-fitting facepiece that filters inhaled air, such as an N95 or higher device, used for airborne precautions. It must be fit-tested and seal-checked to work properly.

Practices that separate a patient with a contagious illness from others to limit spread. They may include a private room, restricted movement, dedicated equipment, and specific entry requirements for staff and visitors.

Grouping patients who are infected or colonized with the same organism in the same area, cared for by the same staff, to reduce the chance of spreading it to others.

The presence and growth of microorganisms on or in a person without causing signs or symptoms of illness. Colonized people can still spread organisms to others even though they are not sick.

The invasion and multiplication of a pathogen in body tissues that produces signs or symptoms of illness. It differs from colonization, in which organisms are present without causing disease.

A microorganism capable of causing disease, including certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Not all microorganisms are harmful; many normally live on and in the body.

The community of microorganisms that normally lives on the skin and in body cavities without causing harm. It can become harmful if it enters other body sites or if the person's defenses weaken.

An infection a person acquires while receiving care for another condition, one that was not present or incubating at the time of admission. Prevention relies on standard and transmission-based precautions.

Having a weakened immune system that reduces the ability to fight infection. Causes include certain illnesses, treatments such as chemotherapy, and some medications, making the person a more susceptible host.

The ability of bacteria to survive drugs that would normally kill or stop them. It develops when organisms change over time, often encouraged by unnecessary or incomplete antibiotic use.

A microorganism that is not killed by several of the drugs normally used to treat it, such as MRSA or certain resistant gut bacteria. Infections are harder to treat and spread readily in care settings.

A coordinated effort to use antimicrobial drugs wisely, prescribing them only when needed and for the right duration. It helps preserve effectiveness and slows the development of resistance.

A tough, dormant form some bacteria produce that resists heat, drying, and many disinfectants and alcohol. Spores can survive on surfaces for long periods and require specific agents to destroy.

Physically removing soil, organic matter, and many microorganisms from a surface using soap or detergent and water. Cleaning is usually the necessary first step before an item is disinfected or sterilized.

Using chemicals to destroy or reduce many disease-causing organisms on surfaces or equipment, though not necessarily bacterial spores. The level needed depends on the item and how it is used.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on an item. It is required for equipment that enters sterile body areas or breaks the skin barrier.

Practices that prevent injuries from needles, scalpels, and other sharp devices, such as not recapping by hand and disposing of sharps immediately in puncture-resistant containers. Injuries can transmit bloodborne pathogens.

A microorganism carried in blood that can cause disease when blood or certain body fluids enter another person, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Exposure prevention relies on standard precautions.

Treatment given after a possible exposure to an infectious agent to reduce the chance of becoming infected, such as medication or vaccination after contact with certain viruses. It is started as soon as possible after the event.

The occurrence of more cases of an infection than normally expected in a given place and time. Responding involves identifying cases, finding the source, and applying control measures quickly.

The ongoing, systematic collection and review of infection data to detect problems and guide prevention efforts. It may track specific organisms, infection rates, or clusters of cases.

Contact with blood, body fluids, or infectious material that happens during work, such as a needlestick or splash to the eyes. It should be reported promptly and evaluated for follow-up care.

Separating waste at the point of generation into the correct stream, such as regular trash versus regulated medical or infectious waste. Correct sorting protects workers and reduces unnecessary disposal costs.