Term | Definition |
Algae | Simple, plantlike organisms which grow in water, contain chlorophyll, and obtain their energy from the sun and their carbon from carbon dioxide (photosynthesis) |
Allergen | A substance that causes an allergic reaction or unhealthy response by the body's immune system |
Anaphylaxis | A rare, life-threatening, allergic reaction that can result in shock, respiratory failure, cardiac failure or death if left untreated |
Arachnid | A class of arthropod that has four pairs of segmented legs and includes scorpions, spiders and ticks |
Arthropod | A type of animal that has jointed limbs and a body made up of segments such as crustaceans (crabs), arachnids (spiders), and insects (mosquitoes) |
Bacteria | Single-celled, microscopic organisms that lack chlorophyll and are the most diverse group of all living organisms. |
Bloodborne pathogens | Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatites B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) |
Exposure Incident | An incident involving the contact of blood (or other potentially infections materials) with an eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, or non-intact skin, which results from the performance of an employee's duties |
Fungi | Plantlike organisms that obtain nutrients by breaking down decaying matter and absorbing the substances into their cells. They are similar to algae but do not contain chlorophyll |
Host | An organism whose body provides nourishment and shelter for another, smaller organism |
Infectious | Capable of infecting or spreading disease |
Microorganism | A very small form of life, often viewable only through a microscope, that includes viruses, bacteria, algae, and fungi |
Pathogen | A specific cause of a disease, such as bacteria or a virus |
Protein allergen | An allergen caused by substances produced by vertebrate animals, including blood, feces, hair and dead skin |
Toxin | A poisonous substance that can harm living organisms |
Universal precautions | An approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infections for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens |
Venom | A poisonous substance created by some animals (such as snakes and spiders) and transmitted to prey or an enemy by biting or stinging. |