Letter: l

A white blood cell, either B-cell or T-cell.

A soluble chemical released by sensitized lymphocytes on contact with a specific antigen. Lymphokines help effect cellular immunity by stimulating activity of lymphocytes and macrophages.

Virus unit surrounded by an envelope of lipoprotein in addition to the usual core of nucleic acid surrounded by a coat of protein. This type of virus (e.g., HIV) is generally easily inactivated by many types of disinfectants. Also called enveloped or lipophilic virus.

A patented breathable film which helps protect healthcare workers against exposure to blood and body fluids while maintaining breathe-ability. Air can easily pass through the film in both directions, but the little volcanoes in the film resist incoming penetration by fluids. The film gives our FLUIDSHIELD* masks their fluid resistance of 160 mmHg (according to ASTM F 1862 Fluid Resistance Test.)

Reduction or increase in microbial counts is often expressed in Log base 10. This is the number of times 10 must be multiplied by itself to equal a certain number. For example, Log2 is 10X10=100. Log3 is 10X10X10=1000. This is also expressed as 103. A more simplified explanation is to use the superscript number to determine the number of zeros that will follow 1. 105 would be 1 + 5 zeros or 1+ 00000 = 100,000. Application: A prep solution produced a 4Log reduction on a skin surface that had a million (106) organisms per cm2. That means that 4Log or Log4 or L4 or 104 equals 10X10X10X10=10,000 organisms killed. Subtract that from the original one million organisms per cm2 and you have 106-104=102 or 100 microorganisms per cm2 left.

Once a Central Venous Catheter has been placed the challenge is to keep the lumen patent (free from clogging) and to prevent infection. Is an anticoagulant or anticoagulant / antimicrobial solution that is placed in the catheter and held (or locked in place) for a specified amount of time (usually 10-60 minutes).

Significant number of microorganisms cultured from the catheter tip, subcutaneous segment of the catheter, or catheter hub.

One of the five major sections of the lungs: superior and inferior lobes of the left lung; superior, middle, and inferior lobes of the right lung.

An enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats).

Process by which chemicals or contaminants are dissolved and carried away by water into manufacturing process. In healthcare, drugs or other substances may be leached from objects after contact with any body or other fluid by design or not.