Alcohol-based hand rub – An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands. In the United States, such preparations usually contain 60 percent to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol.
Antimicrobial soap – Soap (detergent) containing an antiseptic agent.
Antiseptic agent – Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to the skin to reduce the number of microbial flora. Examples include alcohols, chlorhexidine, chlorine, hexachlorophene, iodophors, chloroxylenol (PCMX), quaternary ammonium compounds, and triclosan.
Antiseptic handwash – Washing hands with water and soap or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent.
Antiseptic hand rub – Applying an antiseptic hand rub product to all surfaces of the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms present.
Bloodstream infection – A serious infection that occurs when bacteria from an infected site on the body invade the bloodstream. If bacteria continue to multiply without being stopped by antibiotics or the patient’s immune system, there is a high risk of septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition. TOP
Cumulative effect – A progressive decrease in the numbers of microorganisms recovered following repeated applications of a test material.