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Allergen – a substance that can produce an allergy.

Antigen – a substance, usually a protein that causes the formation of an antibody and reacts specifically with that antibody.

Antimicrobial – a substance that kills or reduces microbes.

Antiseptic – a substance that kills or reduces microbes present on the body.

Asepsis – a state of being sterile, i.e. having no microbes.

Aseptic technique – a term referring to a healthcare procedure where sterile equipment and a no touch technique is used to prevent infection; it commonly refers to changing wound dressings.

Bacteraemia – bacteria in the blood.

Bacterium – a small single cell microscopic organism.

Bacteruria – the presence of bacteria in the urine with or without associated symptoms of infection.

B cells – a type of lymphocyte that originates in the bone marrow.

Bladder irrigation – flushing fresh fluid through the urinary system to prevent the formation or retention of blood clots. This is done either continuously through a double lumen catheter, or by repeatedly filling and emptying the bladder.

Buried bumper syndrome – a complication of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tubes where the internal disc (bumper) migrates from the stomach lumen, and becomes buried in the stomach lining or abdominal wall.

Cardiac tamponade – interference with the venous return of blood to the heart due to an extensive accumulation of blood/fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.

Complement – a substance found in normal serum which combines with the antigen-antibody complex to destroy bacteria.

DNA – the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, a large nucleic acid molecule found in the chromosomes of the nucleus of a cell that is the carrier of genetic information.

Endocarditis – infection of the inner lining of the heart, usually the heart valves.

Extravasation – the inadvertent administration of a vesicant medication or solution (i.e. one that causes tissue blistering) into the surrounding tissue instead of the intended vascular pathway.

Extrinsic contamination – contamination introduced during use, e.g. via the hands of a healthcare worker.

Gastrocolic fistula – an abnormal connection between the stomach and the colon.

Genes – the biological units of genetic material and inheritance.

Immune system – protects the body against pathogenic organisms and other foreign bodies.

Infiltration – the inadvertent administration of non-vesicant medication or solution (i.e. one that does not cause tissue blistering) into the surrounding tissue instead of the intended vascular pathway.

Intrinsic contamination – contamination present prior to use.

Isotonic – having the same concentration of solutes as the blood.

Long-term catheter – a catheter left in place for more than 28 days, usually up to 12 weeks, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Lysis – destruction of a cell or molecule through the action of a specific agent.

Macrophages – phagocytic cells that ingest cell debris and bacteria.

Molecule – a group of atoms chemically bonded together representing the smallest units that show the properties of an element or compound in a chemical reaction.

Necrotising fasciitis – a serious soft tissue infection resulting in extensive soft tissue destruction (necrosis) of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle.

Neutrophils – circulating white blood cells essential for phagocytosis to take place.

Parasite – an organism that lives on or in another organism.

Phagocytic – action that describes how a cell is able to surround, engulf and digest microbes and cell debris.

Phlebitis – inflammation of the intima (inner lining) of a vein; may be accompanied by pain and erythema. There are three main types of phlebitis: mechanical, infective and chemical. Thrombophlebitis is the presence of thrombosis plus inflammation.

Septicaemia – blood poisoning caused by bacteria.

Short-term catheter – a catheter left in place for up to 28 days, depending upon manufacturer’s instructions.

Species – group of animals or plants of similar individuals able to breed with each other.

T cells – lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow that mature in the thymus.

Thymus – primary central gland of the lymphatic system.

Tunnel infection – erythema, tenderness and induration in the tissue overlying a catheter and more than 2 cm from the exit site.

Urethral meatus – area around the urethral opening.