m. Disinfection. The chemical or physical process of destroying all pathogenic
microorganisms except spore-bearing ones. Disinfectants are used on objects--not on
tissue.
n. Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer. An apparatus using gaseous ethylene oxide,
with or without added inert gas, as the sterilizing agent.
o. Germ. A microscopic or submicroscopic organism capable of producing
disease.
p. Heat Resistant. Not affected by heat.
q. Heat Sensitive. Will be affected or destroyed by heat--plastic goods, rubber
goods, pillows, etc.
r. High-Vacuum Steam Sterilizer. A pressure apparatus, employing saturated
steam as the sterilizing agent, which operates on the principle by which air is removed
from the chamber with the aid of a vacuum pump or other mechanical device.
s. Infection. Invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms, and the
reaction of tissues to their presence.
t. Microorganism. Living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye,
including bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, and molds; also called microbial life.
u. Moisture Sensitive. Will be affected or destroyed by excessive moisture
such as electric cords, motors, telescopic instruments.
v. Procedure. A particular way of doing something; a series of steps followed in
a definite order; a traditional way of doing things.
w. Process. A series of procedures designed to prepare supplies and
equipment for use in giving patient care.
x. Principle. The basis upon which the correct way of doing something is
determined. A reference to the principles of procedures leads to the right way of doing
something.
y. Sanitation. A process whereby microorganisms present on an object are
reduced in number to a level considered safe for human use.
z. Sanitizer. An apparatus employing a sanitizing agent, such as hot water,
steam, or chemicals.
aa. Spores. An inactive, but viable (capable of living, growing, and developing)
microorganism in the environment.
MD0937
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