RD Glossary

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Administrative controls

the use of administrative measures (i.e., policies and procedures and enforcement measures) to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogenic organisms.

Aerosol

particles of respirable size (<10 µm) generated by both humans and environmental sources that can remain viable and airborne for extended periods in the indoor environment; commonly generated in dentistry during use of handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air/water syringes.

Air abrasion

the application of a mixture of small abrasive particles by air blast to prepare a cavity in a tooth or remove deposits from teeth.

Airborne transmission

a means of spreading infection in which airborne droplet nuclei are inhaled by the susceptible host.

Alcohol-based hand rub

an alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands. In the United States, such preparations usually contain 60%--95% ethanol or isopropanol. These are waterless antiseptic agents not requiring the use of exogenous water. After applying such an agent, the hands are rubbed together until the agent has dried.

Allergen

an antigen, a substance capable of inducing allergy or specific hypersensitivity.

Allergic contact dermatitis

a type IV or delayed- hypersensitivity reaction resulting from contact with a chemical allergen (e.g., poison ivy, certain components of patient care gloves), generally localized to the contact area. Reactions occur slowly over 12-48 hours.

Anaphylaxis

(immediate anaphylactic hypersensitivity): a severe and sometimes fatal Type 1 reaction in a susceptible person after a second exposure to a specific antigen (e.g., food, pollen, proteins in latex gloves, or penicillin) after previous sensitization. Anaphylaxis is characterized commonly by respiratory symptoms, itching, hives, and rarely by shock and death (anaphylactic shock).

Antibody

a protein found in the blood that is produced in response to foreign substances (e.g., bacteria or viruses) invading the body. Antibodies protect the body from disease by binding to these organisms and destroying them.

Antigen

 a foreign substance, usually protein or carbohydrate substance (as a toxin or enzyme) capable of stimulating an immune response, usually the production of antibodies.

Antimicrobial soap

a soap (i.e., detergent) containing an antiseptic agent.

Antiseptic

a germicide that is used on skin or living tissue for the purpose of inhibiting or destroying microorganisms. Examples include alcohols, chlorhexidine, chlorine, hexachlorophene, iodine, chloroxylenol (PCMX), quaternary ammonium compounds, and triclosan.

Antiseptic handwash

Washing hands with water and soap or detergents containing an antiseptic agent. Antiseptic hand rub. The process of applying an antiseptic hand-rub product to all surfaces of the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms present.

Asepsis

Prevention from contamination with microorganisms. Includes sterile conditions on tissues, on materials, and in rooms, as obtained by excluding, removing, or killing organisms.

RD Glossary by Run Digital