Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): the latter stage of HIV infection in which the individual’s immune system is overwhelmed by the HIV virus.
Alcohol-based hand disinfection (AHD): using an alcohol-based solution for hand hygiene.
Biohazard container: a puncture-proof container for the disposal of biohazard waste. It should have the biohazard symbol prominently displayed on it.
Bloodborne pathogens (BBP): bacteria and viruses carried in the blood.
Contact: exposure caused by a break in the skin, mucous membranes, or open wounds.
Hand hygiene: washing with soap and water or cleansing hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Hazardous spill: soiling of the environment with substances containing bloodborne pathogens or other hazardous materials.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV): a virus that causes an infection and inflammation of the liver that may lead to long-term liver damage. Vaccination can protect against HBV.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV): a virus that causes an infection and inflammation of the liver that may lead to long-term liver damage. HCV can be successfully treated.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a virus that is present in blood and body fluids that causes an infection that attacks the body’s immune system.
OSHA Form 300: also called the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. This is the specific form that employers must complete to report biohazardous exposure in the work environment to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment used to protect individuals against transmission of BBP. PPE includes gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, and goggles.
Post exposure: the period of time following exposure to a BBP.
Sharps: any objects that can cut or puncture the skin.
Standard precautions: minimum infection prevention practices intended to protect the caregiver, patient, and others from infection using hand hygiene, PPE, and respiratory hygiene.
Universal precautions: infection prevention practice requiring that all body fluids should be treated as infectious. This is an older term that was changed in 1996 to the term standard precautions, which includes all body fluids and other modes of infection transmission.
Work practice control: written policies that ensure employees’ safety from biohazard exposure.