Word parts
What it means
When an item, surface, wound, specimen or sterile field comes in contact with microorganisms or other unwanted material. A sterile item touched by anything non-sterile is contaminated and must not be used. A urine specimen contaminated by skin bacteria can show a false infection. Food and water contamination can spread illness.
For the nurse
If a sterile field or item might be contaminated, treat it as contaminated and replace it. Clean your hands after touching anything that may be contaminated, and handle soiled linen away from your uniform.
At a glance
| Spanish | contaminación |
|---|---|
| Also written | contaminated, contaminate, contaminates, contaminating |
Related terms
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
specimen
A sample of blood, urine, stool, tissue or other body material collected for testing.
sterile
Free of all living microorganisms; also, unable to have children.
transmission
The passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.
surgical asepsis
Practices that keep an area or object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique.