1
Q
acquired immunity
A
immunity that is developed during a patient’s lifetime
2
Q
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A
-a blood-borne disease caused by HIV
-a disease of the immune system that is transmitted primarily through blood or blood products that enter the body’s bloodstream, especially through sexual contact or contact with contaminated hypodermic needles
3
Q
aerobes
A
bacteria that require oxygen to grow
4
Q
algae
A
any of a variety of organisms that grow mostly in water, including seaweed
5
Q
anaerobes
A
bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen and are destroyed by oxygen
6
Q
anaphylaxis
A
an extreme hypersensitivity to a substance that can lead to shock and life-threatening respiratory collapse
7
Q
antibody
A
a protein developed mainly by plasma cells (a type of blood cell) used by the immune system to neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses
8
Q
antigen
A
a substance introduced into the body to stimulate the production of an antibody
9
Q
antimicrobial
A
an agent that kills or inhibits the growth or reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms
10
Q
antiretraction device / “suck-back”
A
a mechanism that prevents the entry of fluids and microorganisms into waterlines as a result of negative water pressure
11
Q
antiseptic
A
a product that prevents the development of bacteria and viruses
12
Q
artificially acquired immunity
A
-protection from a disease produced by deliberate exposure to an antigen to help the body produce its own antibodies, such as immunizations
-immunity that results from a vaccination
13
Q
asepsis
A
absence of microorganisms that produce a disease
14
Q
autoclave
A
the instrument used for sterilzation by means of moist heat under pressure
15
Q
bacilli (singular: bacillus)
A
rod-shaped bacteria that cause tuberculosis and other diseases
16
Q
bacteria
A
single-celled, prokaryotic microorganisms that can exist independently and may be beneficial or pathogenic
*Note: Bacteria are a primary focus of infection control procedures, sterilization, and disinfection in the dental setting.
17
Q
bioburden
A
blood, saliva, and other body fluids
18
Q
biofilm
A
slime-producing bacterial communities that may also harbor fungi, algae, and protozoa
19
Q
biologic indicators / spore tests
A
vials or strips that contain harmless bacterial spores, used to determine whether sterilization has occurred
20
Q
biologic monitoring
A
verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore-forming microorganisms have been destroyed
21
Q
blood-borne disease
A
a disease such as HBV, HCV, or HIV infection that is caused by microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in the blood
22
Q
blood-borne pathogen
A
a disease-producing microorganism carried or transmitted by blood, typically a disease or pathogen
23
Q
broad-spectrum activity
A
capable of killing a wide range of microbes
24
Q
carrier
A
a person or thing that shows NO symptoms, but harbors (carries) the infectious agent of a disease and is capable of transmitting it to others
25
chain of infection
conditions that must all be present for the infection to occur
26
chemical inventory
a comprehensive list of every product used inthe office that contains chemicals
27
chemical vapor sterilization
sterilization by means of hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure
28
chlorine dioxide
an effective, rapid-acting environmental surface disinfectant or chemical sterilant
29
clean area
a place where sterilized instruments, fresh disposable supplies, and prepared trays are stored
30
clinical contact surface
a surface touched by contaminated hands, instruments, or spatter during dental treatment
31
cocci (singular: coccus)
spherical bacteria cells that reproduce by dividing in two
32
colonize
a group of microorganisms derived from one or more spores that grow on a solid nutrient surface
33
colony-forming units (CFUs)
a way to measure how many live bacteria or microorganisms are present by counting the number of colonies that grow on a test plate
(commonly used to measure bacterial levels in DUWLs)
34
communicable disease
a condition caused by an infection that can be spread from person to person or through contact with body fluids
35
compromised
unable to function optimally, especially with regard to immune response, due to underlying disease, harmful environment, and/or side effects of treatment
36
contagious
capable of being transmitted by bodily contact with an infected person or object
37
contaminated area
a place where contaminated items are brought for precleaning
38
contaminated waste
items such as gloves and patient napkins that may contain potentially infectious body fluids of patients
39
critical instrument
an item used to penetrate soft tissue or bone
40
cross-contamination
when a disease-causing microorganism is moved from one area, item, or person to another
41
dental unit waterline (DUWL)
small-bore tubing, usually made of plastic, used to deliver dental treatment water through a dental unit
42
dermatitis
inflammation of the skin
43
direct contact
touching or contact with a patient's blood or saliva
44
disinfectant
a chemical used to reduce or lower the number of microorganisms on inanimate objects
45
doffing
the act of safely taking OFF personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent contamination of the skin, clothing, or environment
46
donning
the act of safely placing ON personal protective equipment (PPE)
47
dormant
-inactive
-in a state of minimal metabolic activity with cessation of growth
48
droplet infection
infection that occurs through mucosal surfaces of the eues, nose, or mouth
49
dry heat sterilizer
an instrument for sterilization by means of heated air
50
efficacy
the ability to produce a desired or intended result
51
endospore
a resistant, dormant structure formed inside of some bacteria that can withstand adverse conditions
52
environmental surface
a surface within a healthcare facility that is NOT directly involved in patient care, but that may become contaminated during the course of treatment
(ex: countertops, floors, walls, instrument control panels)
53
epidemic
the rapid spread of disease affecting many persons at the same time where the disease is not normally prevalent
54
epidemiology
the study of the patterns and causes of diseases
55
eukaryote
a domain of organisms having cells with a distinct nucleus containing genetic DNA material; includes all organisms EXCEPT bacteria
56
event-related packaging
instruments in packages should remain sterile indefinitely unless an even causes them to become contaminated
(Ex: torn or wet packaging)
57
facultative anaerobes
organisms that can grow with or without oxygen
58
fungal spores
microscopic cell(s) that disperse from parent fungus and can become dormant for a long time until conditions are favorable for growth
59
fungi (singular: fungus)
a group of organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow
(ex: mushrooms, yeast, mold)
60
fungicidal
a product that is capable of killing fungi
61
glutaraldehyde
an EPA-registered high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant used to destroy microorganisms on heat-sensitive medical and dental instruments that cannot be sterilized using heat
62
greener infection control
an approach to infection control that incorporates environmentally sustainable practices to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact while maintaining patient and provider safety
63
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
OSHA standard regarding employees' "right to know" about chemicals in the workplace
64
hazardous waste
waste that poses a danger or risk to humans or the environment
65
hepatitis
inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection, which can impair liver function
*Note: Hepatitis is especially important in infection control because HBV and HCV are bloodborne pathogens that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood and pose an occupational risk to dental professionals.
66
herpes
a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by recurrent lesions on the skin or mucous membranes, especially around the oral cavity
*Note: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes oral herpes, also called cold sores or fever blisters, and can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva or lesions, making proper infection control essential in dental settings.
67
heterotrophic
referring to an organism that obtains its energy and nutrients by consuming organic matter from other living or once-living organisms (cannot make its own nutrients)
*Note: Most bacteria found in DUWLs are heterotrophic bacteria, and their levels are reported as colony-forming units (CFUs)
68
high-level disinfectant
hospital disinfectant with tuberculocidal activity
69
hospital disinfectant
a chemical agent registered with the EPA that is used on clinical contact surfaces to destroy microorganisms, EXCEPT FOR bacterial spores
70
host
a living animal or plant from which a parasite obtains nutrition
71
housekeeping surface
a surface that is NOT contaminated during dental treatment
(ex: floors, walls)
72
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
a bloodborne virus that attacks and weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 (T-helper) cells, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and disease
*Note: HIV is transmitted through exposure to infected blood and certain body fluids and can progress to AIDS. It is a major concern in dentistry, which is why standard precautions and sharps safety are essential.
73
hypersensitivity
a state of being excessively sensitive to a substance, often with allergic reactions
74
immersion disinfectant
a disinfectant used for immersion (soaking) of head-sensitive instruments
(ex: glutaraldehyde)
75
immunity
the ability of the body to resist disease
76
immunocompromised
having an immune system that is weakened
77
indirect contact
touching or contact with a contaminated surface or instrument
78
infection control
policies and practices designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents
79
infection prevention
the ultimate goal of all infection control procedures and policies
80
infectious disease
a disease that is communicable
81
infectious waste
waste that is capable of transmitting an infectious disease
82
inherited immunity
immunity that is present at birth
83
inhibit
to decrease, limit, or block the action or function of a pathogenic microorganism
84
innate immunity
-natural immunity
-resistance to a disease that occurs as part of the individual's biologic makeup
85
intermediate-level disinfectant
-a liquid disinfectant with EPA registration as a hospital disinfectant with tuberculocidal activity
-used for disinfecting operatory surfaces
86
invasiveness
the ability to enter into a part of the body to cause harm or disease
87
latent
present but not visible or apparent
88
Legionnaires' disease
a form of bacterial pneumonia first identified after an outbreak at an American Legion meeting
89
low-level disinfectant
-disinfectant that destroys certain viruses and fungi
-used for general housekeeping (ex: walls, floors)
90
microbiology
the study of microorganisms
91
microorganism
very small form of life not visible to the human eye; must be viewed under a microscope to be visible
92
naturally acquired immunity
immunity that occurs when a person has contracted and is recovering from a disease
93
noncritical instrument
an item that comes into contact with intact skin only
94
nonpathogenic
pertaining to microorganisms that do NOT produce disease
95
normal flora / resident flora
microorganisms that normally inhabit a bodily organ or part
96
occupational exposure
reasonably anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may occur during the performance of an employee’s job duties
(ex: needlestick injury, blood contacting nonintact skin)
97
opportunistic
microorganisms causing disease only under certain conditions, as when a person's immune system is impaired
98
outbreak
when a disease occurs in greater numbers than expected in a community or during a season
99
pandemic
a condition that occurs throughout the people of a country or the world
100
parasite
an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (the host) from the body of which it obtains nutriment
101
pathogen
a disease-producing microorganism
102
pathology
the study of diseases
103
percutaneous
through the skin
(ex: needlestick, a cut, human bite)
104
permucosal
contact with mucous membranes, such as the eyes or mouth
105
personal protective equipment (PPE)
items used to protect employees, such as protective clothing, masks, gloves, and eyewear
106
tetanus
an infectious disease caused by bacteria that enters the body through wounds
107
planktonic
microscopic bacteria and protozoa floating in a body of water
108
post-exposure
occurring in the time period after exposure to a disease
109
precleaning
the act of removing bioburden before disinfecting
110
prion
a harmful infectious protein that can cause serious brain diseases and is VERY resistant to normal sterilization methods, especially heat sterilization
111
process indicator / single-parameter indicator
tape, strips, or tabs with heat-sensitive chemicals that change color when exposed to a certain temperature
112
process integrators / spore tests
strips placed in packages that change color when exposed to a combination of heat, temperature, and time
113
protozoa
microscopic, one-celled organisms that can live in the body and may cause infections in humans; includes bacteria
114
regulated waste
infectious waste that requires special handling, neutralization, and disposal
115
reuse life
the time period that a disinfectant should remain effective during use and reuse
116
sanitize
to make free from dirt and germs, as by cleaning
117
self-contained water reservoir
a container attached to a dental unit that is used to hold and supply water or other solutions to handpieces and air-water syringes
118
semicritical instrument
an item that comes in contact with oral tissues but does NOT penetrate soft tissue or bone
119
sharps
pointed or cutting instruments
(ex: needles, scalpel blades, orthodontic wires, endodontic instruments)
120
shelf life
how long a product may be stored before use
121
single-use items
items that are used on only one patient and then are thrown away
122
sodium hypochlorite
surface disinfectant commonly knows as "household bleach"
123
sporicidal
an agent that is capable of killing bacterial spores
124
Standard Precautions
-the standard of care designed to protect healthcare providers from pathogens that can be spread by blood or any other body fluid via excretion or secretion
-expands upon the concept of Universal Precautions
125
staphylococci
spherical bacteria that grow in clusters and can cause infections, especially on the skin or in wounds
126
sterilant
an agent that kills ALL microorganisms
127
sterilization
the process that kills ALL microorganisms
128
streptococci
spherical bacteria that grow in chains and are commonly found in the mouth, and some types can cause infections
*Note: Streptococci are especially important in dentistry because "Streptococcus mutans" is a primary bacterium involved in dental caries, and other streptococci can cause infections that may be transmitted through saliva, aerosols, or contaminated instruments.
129
surface barrier
a fluid-resistant material used to cover surfaces likely to become contaminated
130
touch surface
a surface directly touched and contaminated during procedures
131
toxic waste
waste that can have a poisonous effect
132
tuberculocidal
an agent capable of inactivating tuberculosis-causing microorganisms
133
tuberculosis (TB)
an infectious bacterial disease, especially of the lungs, characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles)
134
ultrasonic
referring to the mechanical radiant energy of water and sound vibrations used to break down material and waste
135
ultrasonic cleaner
an instrument that loosens and removes debris by sound waves traveling through a liquid
136
Universal Precautions
guidelines based on treating ALL human blood and body fluids (including saliva) as potentially infectious
137
use-life
the period of time during which a germicidal solution is effective after is has been prepared for use
138
vaccine
any preparation introduced into the body in order to induce immunity against a specific disease
139
virucidal
an agent capable of killing some viruses
140
virulence / pathogenicity
the strength of a pathogen's ability to cause disease
141
virulent
capable of causing serious disease
142
transient flora
microorganisms that temporarily colonize the skin or body surface for hours, days, or weeks; can be easily removed through hand hygiene
143
droplet transmission
a mode of transmission for diseases spread when bacteria or viruses, released via coughing, sneezing, or speaking, travel through the air in moisture droplets and land on the mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) of nearby individuals
(ex: COVID-19, influenza, measles, and tuberculosis)
DANB ICE Exam
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