Vet Safety/Sanitation Terminology

Quarantine

• The process of keeping an animal by itself to prevent the spread of disease; isolation.

• A method of vaccination to prevent diseases in animals.

• A type of food storage to prevent spoilage.

• A technique for training animals in obedience.

Biohazard

• Medical waste that could cause infection; includes needles, scalpel blades, blood, body parts.

• Regular trash that can be disposed of in landfills.

• Food waste that is safe for composting.

• Recyclable materials such as paper and plastic.

Pathogen

• A microorganism that causes disease.

• A type of antibiotic used to treat infections.

• A virus that can be beneficial to human health.

• A method of sterilization for medical equipment.

Carcinogenic

• Cancer causing.

• Non-cancerous substance.

• A type of cancer treatment.

• A genetic disorder.

Incubation period

• The time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.

• The duration of time a person is contagious before showing symptoms.

• The time taken for a vaccine to become effective after administration.

• The period during which a person is immune after recovering from an infection.

OSHA

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• Office of Safety and Health Assessment.

• Occupational Standards and Health Agency.

• Office of Safety and Health Administration.

Aseptic

• Being free of infection or contamination by microorganisms.

• A method of sterilization using heat.

• A type of bacterial infection.

• A process of cleaning surfaces with chemicals.

Parasite

• An organism that grows, feeds, and lives on or in another organism while contributing nothing to the survival of the host organism.

• An organism that benefits both itself and the host organism.

• A type of organism that only lives in water.

• An organism that provides nutrients to the host organism.

Sharps

• Biohazard materials such as needles, scalpel blades, and syringes.

• Common office supplies like scissors and paper clips.

• Everyday kitchen utensils such as knives and forks.

• Non-hazardous waste materials like cardboard and plastic bottles.

Isolation

• The process of keeping an animal by itself to prevent the spread of disease; quarantine.

• A method of training animals in groups for socialization.

• A technique used to enhance animal performance in competitions.

• The practice of allowing animals to roam freely in a natural habitat.