Aseptic Preparation.  The technique involving procedures designed to preclude contamination of drugs, packaging, equipment or supplies by microorganisms during processing.

Aseptic Technique.  Mechanisms and procedures employed to reduce potential contamination.

Bacteria.  Microorganism that may be nonpathogenic (normal) or pathogenic (disease producing).

Biologic Therapy.  Medicinal preparation made from living organisms or their products including sera, vaccines, antigens and antitoxins.

Biotherapy.  Treatment using biological agents made by the process of genetic engineering.

Catheter.  Tube for injecting or evacuating fluids; hollow tube made of plastic, Silastic, rubber, plastic or metal that is used for accessing the body.

Central Vascular Access Device (CVAD).  Catheter inserted into a centrally located vein with the tip residing in the vena cava; permits intermittent or continuous infusion and/or access into the venous system.

Deliver System.  Product(s) that allows for the administration of medication. Includes all products used in administration from the solution to the catheter.

Flow Control Device.  Instrument used to regulate the infusion flow rate-may be manual, mechanical or electronic.

Implanted Port.  A catheter surgically placed into a vessel, body cavity, or organ and attached to a reservoir located under the skin.

Implanted Pump.  A catheter surgically placed into a vessel, body cavity, or organ and attached to a reservoir located under the skin that contains a pumping mechanism for continuous medication administration.

Infection.  The presence and growth of a pathogenic microorganism.

Infusate.  Parenteral solution administered into the vascular or nonvascular systems; infusion.

Intrathecal.  Within the spinal canal.

Laminar Flow Hood.  A contained work station with filtered air flow; assists in preventing bacterial contamination and collection of hazardous chemical fumes in the preparation of drug solutions used in intravenous therapy.

Midline Catheter.  A flexible catheter measuring up to 8” long with the distal tip dwelling distal to the shoulder-in a peripheral vein in the arm.   Used for short term therapies with nonirritant drugs.

Needleless System.  A substitute for a needle or sharp access, available in various designs.

Nontunneled Catheter.  A vascular or nonvascular device inserted by puncture directly through the skin and to the intended location without passing through subcutaneous tissue.

Parenteral Nutrition.  The intravenous provision of total nutritional needs for a patient who is unable to take in or absorb  appropriate amounts of food enterally.  Typical components include carbohydrates, protein, fats as well as electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PICC).  A central vascular access device inserted into an extremity and advanced until the tip is positioned in the vena cava.

Sterile.  Free of living microorganisms.

Subcutaneous Infusion.  Administration of medications into the tissues beneath the skin.

Thromolytic Agent.  A pharmacological agent capable of dissolving blood clots; may be used to clear catheter occlusions due to fibrin or clots.

Tunneled Catheter.  A vascular access device whose proximal end is tunneled subcutaneously from the insertion site and brought out through the skin at an exit site.

Vascular Access Device (VAD).  Catheters, tubes or devices inserted into the vascular system including veins, arteries, bone marrow.