The hand hygiene glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you’ll see on this site and in infection prevention.
- AntimicrobialAntimicrobial describes anything that kills microorganisms or stops them from growing, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
- AntisepsisAntisepsis is the use of a chemical agent on skin or other living tissue to kill or inhibit microorganisms and prevent infection.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the U.S.
- Chlorhexidine gluconateChlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), often just called chlorhexidine, is an antiseptic that kills a broad range of bacteria and some viruses and fungi.
- Contact DermatitisContact dermatitis is a red, itchy or cracked skin rash caused by something that touches the skin.
- Hand HygieneHand hygiene is any action that cleans hands: washing with soap and water, washing with an antiseptic soap, or using an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Healthcare-associated Infection (HAI)Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), also called nosocomial infections, are infections patients develop while receiving care for another condition, in….
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), sometimes called a "superbug," is a type of staph bacteria that does not respond to many common….
- MicroorganismA microorganism (or microbe) is a living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Personal protective equipment (PPE) is gear worn to protect the wearer from infection or injury, such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators and eye….
- TriclosanTriclosan is an antibacterial chemical that was once common in antibacterial soaps.
- World Health Organization (WHO)The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency for international public health.