The term for the presence of infectious organisms on objects or on a patient’s body is?

The term for the presence of infectious organisms on objects or on a patient’s body is?

• A. Exposure
• B. Infection Control
• C. Contamination
• D. Depression

Answer: (C)

Contamination is the presence of infectious organisms on objects or on a patient’s body. This state means pathogens are there and could be transferred to someone else, creating a risk, but it doesn’t mean illness has occurred yet—that would be infection, which requires the organisms to invade and multiply in tissue. Exposure is the event of coming into contact with that contaminated source, which can lead to infection if the pathogens enter the body. Infection control refers to the practices used to prevent contamination and the spread of infections. Depression is unrelated.

Contamination is the presence of infectious organisms on objects or on a patient’s body. This state means pathogens are there and could be transferred to someone else, creating a risk, but it doesn’t mean illness has occurred yet—that would be infection, which requires the organisms to invade and multiply in tissue. Exposure is the event of coming into contact with that contaminated source, which can lead to infection if the pathogens enter the body. Infection control refers to the practices used to prevent contamination and the spread of infections. Depression is unrelated.