[also, supraspinal ligament] The ligament that connects the apices of vertebral spinous processes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the sacrum between consecutive spinous processes, it is continuous with the interspinous ligaments.

The bodys lack of resistance to disease.

An agent which reduces surface tension and allows solutions to better penetrate soils; an agent such as soap or detergent, dissolved in water to reduce its surface tension or the tension at the interface between the water and another liquid.

Sterile technique; practice that keeps an object or an area completely free of microorganisms and spores.

A type of assessment tool developed by Detsky and colleagues that involves rating the final results in 3 categories of nutritional state.

Surgical Care Improvement Project – sponsored by CMS publishes initiatives demonstrated to be best practices for optimal patient safety and outcome. Failure to implement the initiatives can result in reduced or non-reimbursement.

ASTM, in F2100-03a: Standard Specification for Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks, defines Sub-micron filtering as a PFE of ? 98% filtration efficiency of 0.1 micron particles.

The honesty and moral integrity that the surgical technologist must possess in order to practice strict aseptic technique and not hesitate to admit a break in technique and take corrective actions to prevent the patient from acquiring a surgical wound infection. Taught as part of curriculum at schools for nurses, technologists and doctors.

Usually a small room around which two or more operating rooms may be grouped. Sub-sterile areas often contain cupboards for sterile supplies, a sterilizer, a warming cabinet for sterile solutions, a small sink, and a refrigerator for drugs.

Surgical Infection Society is an international professional organization focused on research, education, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of surgical infections.