What it means
The water-based liquids of the body. Most body water is inside cells (intracellular fluidin-truh-SEL-yoo-ler FLOO-idThe fluid inside the body's cells.intra- withincellul cell-ar relating toFull entry ); the rest is outside them, in the blood plasma and between cells. In infection control, "blood and body fluids" means anything that could carry germs, such as blood, urine, stool, vomit, sputum and wound drainage.
For the nurse
Standard precautions treat all blood and body fluids (except sweat) as possibly infectious: wear gloves, and add a gown, mask and eye protection when splashing is likely.
At a glance
| Spanish | líquido corporal |
|---|---|
| Also written | body fluids |
Related terms
intracellular fluid
The fluid inside the body's cells.
decontamination
Removing or destroying germs, chemicals or radioactive material from a person, surface or object to make it safe.
interstitial
Relating to the small spaces between cells or between the parts of a tissue or organ.