Dictionary

Infection control

Organisms, precautions and the practices that stop infection spreading.

decontaminationRemoving or destroying germs, chemicals or radioactive material from a person, surface or object to make it safe.

diphtheriaA serious bacterial infection, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, that mainly affects the nose and throat.

disinfectantA chemical used on objects and surfaces to kill most germs.

disinfectionCleaning a surface or object with chemicals or heat to kill most germs, though not always all bacterial spores.

doffingTaking off personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gown, eye protection and mask.

donningPutting on personal protective equipment, such as a gown, mask, eye protection and gloves.

dropletA drop of moisture sprayed from the nose or mouth when a person coughs, sneezes or talks, which can carry germs a short way.

droplet precautionsInfection control steps, used with standard precautions, for germs spread by large droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking.

DTaPThe childhood vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), for children under 7.