Letter: o

In the context of hospital surface disinfection, applies to the presence of organic substances such as blood, mucus, feces, urine and vomit, etc., that can physically deter disinfectants or, in many cases, cause their rapid inactivation. When using a disinfectant vulnerable to inactivation by organic substances, a cleaning agent must be used before disinfection.

Those surgical site infections involving deep soft tissues (e.g. fascial and muscle layers) and/or organs and space opened or manipulated during surgery.

An infection caused by an organism that does not normally cause disease, but can when the person (host) becomes vulnerable (diabetes, HIV, surgery); opportunistic pathogen.

An analgesic that acts on the central nervous system and alters the patients perception; more often used for severe pain.

Pertaining to natural and synthetic chemicals that have opium-like effects similar to morphine, though they are not derived from opium. Examples include endorphins or enkephalins produced by body tissues or synthetic methadone. Morphine and related drugs are often included in this category since the term narcotic has lost its original meaning.

Other Potentially Infectious Materials

Opposite of closed system. An enteral formula that is poured into a container every few hours and administered to a patient. Hang times vary, but the general guideline is not to hang an open system longer than 4 hours due to risk of bacterial contamination.

Fungal infection of the nail.

Also known as disinfectant cleaners or similar: EPA approved disinfectant that is capable of cleaning and disinfecting non-critical surfaces or items all-in-one-step. Pre-cleaning to remove organics is not required. Note: EPA does not allow this claim being used for C. difficile by any product for fear that the soiling of diarrhea may not be adequately removed for the disinfectant to be fully effective.

Neither perpendicular nor parallel being on an incline; situated obliquely and having one end not inserted on bone.