asepsis
Absence of microorganisms
autoclave
Device to accomplish steam or gas sterilization
bioburden
Amount of gross organic debris or the number of microorganisms on an object at any given time
biological indicator
A method for testing the sterilization capability of a sterilizer; contains microorganisms that are killed when exposed to a sterilization process; only method of guaranteeing the sterility of an item(s)
Bowie-Dick test
Specifically designed for use with a pre-vacuum steam sterilizer to test for air entrapment
cavitation
Mechanical process used by ultrasonic cleaners during which air pockets implode to dislodge debris and soil from the crevices and serrations of surgical instruments and equipment
chelation
A method of cleaning instruments in which the chosen cleaning solution uses the process of binding ions, such as iron and magnesium, in the solution to prevent their deposit on the surface of surgical instruments
chemical indicator
Internal or external monitor that changes color when exposed to the sterilization process; only indicates that the sterilization process has occurred; it does not guarantee the sterility of the item
colonization
The growth and collection of microbes into a group that lives in a particular area, such as the colonization of S. aureus in the nares of humans
contaminated
Soiled with gross debris or by the presence of microbes