Infection Control Essentials Quiz

Infection Control Essentials

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A serious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which severely damages the immune system.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The virus responsible for causing AIDS.

Antiseptics and Disinfectants

• Antiseptics: Germicidal chemicals used on skin, regulated by the FDA.
• Disinfectants: EPA-approved chemicals that eliminate most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces, excluding spores.
• Disinfection: A chemical process targeting harmful organisms on environmental surfaces, excluding bacterial spores.

Understanding Bacteria and Infection

• Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms with both harmful and harmless varieties; some are essential to life.
• Bacterial Spores: Protective coatings produced by some bacteria that enable survival in harsh environments; can shed when conditions improve.
• Bactericidal: Refers to substances capable of killing bacteria.
• Biofilms: Microbial colonies that adhere to surfaces, including human tissue, creating a protective layer.

Pathogens and Disease Transmission

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Harmful microorganisms found in blood or body fluids, including hepatitis and HIV.
• Contagious Disease: Diseases that can be spread from one person to another.
• Direct Transmission: Pathogen transmission through person-to-person contact, such as touching or sneezing.
• Indirect Transmission: Transfer of pathogens via contaminated objects, such as razors or surfaces.

Infection and Contamination

• Contamination: Presence of infectious materials on surfaces or visible debris.
• Infection: The invasion of body tissues by pathogens, leading to disease.
• Exposure Incident: Contact with nonintact skin or body fluids during professional duties, significant for health safety.

Fungi and Related Conditions

• Fungi: Single-celled organisms including molds and yeasts; can cause diseases such as ringworm.
• Fungicidal: Capable of destroying fungi and molds.

Additional Terms

• Efficacy: Indicates the effectiveness of a product to achieve intended effects, specifically in regard to disinfectants.
• Diagnosis: Determination of disease nature from symptoms or tests; regulated to limit performance by salon professionals.
• Communicable Disease: A disease transferable through contact between individuals.