Infection control

Wiping the OR's lights, furniture and fixed equipment with a lint-free cloth and disinfectant before the first case of the day.

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

The walled-off dirty area of sterile processing where used instruments and equipment are received, sorted and cleaned.

A cream or other product that removes hair from the skin chemically, without cutting it.

A cleaning agent that loosens soil from a surface so water can carry it away; in sterile processing, a cleaner made for instruments.

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

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

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

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

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

Wearing two pairs of sterile gloves at once, which AST recommends for every surgical procedure.

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

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

Sterilizing with hot air, without moisture, for items that steam would harm or cannot reach, such as powders and oils.

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

A sealed plastic bag put over a sterile package once it is cool and dry, to protect a seldom-used pack from dust and handling.