Definition: Infectious organisms in the BLOOD, of which the predominant medical interest is their contamination of blood-soiled linens, towels, gowns, BANDAGES, other items from individuals in risk categories, NEEDLES and other sharp objects, MEDICAL WASTE and DENTAL WASTE, all of which health workers are exposed to. This concept is differentiated from the clinical conditions of BACTEREMIA; VIREMIA; and FUNGEMIA where the organism is present in the blood of a patient as the result of a natural infectious process.
coordinate with specific pathogen (IM) if pertinent; do not routinely add as a coordinate for infections in the blood (VIREMIA; BACTEREMIA; FUNGEMIA; PARASITEMIA)
See AlsoUniversal Precautions
