What does the term 'contamination' refer to?

The term 'contamination' refers to the process of becoming unclean. In the context of healthcare and infection control, contamination denotes the presence of harmful microorganisms or substances in an environment that should be sterile or clean. For example, when surgical instruments or the skin of a patient is infected with bacteria, it is considered contaminated. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness and following strict sterilization protocols to prevent infections and protect patients. Understanding contamination is essential for all healthcare professionals, including SRNAs, as it directly relates to ensuring patient safety and effective infection control.