Medical supplies glossary

Highly absorbent wound dressing derived from seaweed; used on wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.

An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

A set of practices used to prevent contamination from pathogens during clinical procedures.

A pressurized steam-sterilization device used to decontaminate medical instruments and supplies.

A strip of material applied to support, protect, or compress a wound or injured body part.

Biological substances (e.g., blood, sharps) that pose a threat to the health of living organisms.

A thin tube inserted into the body to deliver or remove fluid, often used with IV catheters and oxygen delivery.

A flexible tube inserted into a body cavity or vessel for drainage, infusion, or access.

An antiseptic agent used for skin and surgical site preparation; effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria.

An elastic wrap that applies graduated pressure to manage edema, support joints, or aid venous return.

A medical item designed for single use to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection.

A disinfectant product certified by the U.S. EPA as effective against specified pathogens.

A non-sterile, single-use barrier glove worn during patient examinations and routine procedures.

A medical device that has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its intended use.

A polyurethane-based wound dressing that absorbs moderate to heavy exudate while maintaining a moist healing environment.

A loosely woven cotton fabric used for wound cleaning, packing, and primary dressing applications.

An occlusive wound dressing that forms a gel on contact with exudate; used for pressure ulcers and minor burns.

Designed to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction; commonly applied to tapes, gloves, and skin-contact products.

Administered into or pertaining to a vein; refers to fluids, medications, and the catheters used to deliver them.

Manufactured without natural rubber latex to prevent allergic reactions in sensitive patients and clinicians.

A breathable, hypoallergenic paper-based medical tape suitable for fragile skin and short-term dressing fixation.

Manufacturer Part Number — the unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to a specific product.

Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate — measures how much water vapor passes through a material per unit time.

Clean but not processed to eliminate all microorganisms; appropriate for general clinical use outside a sterile field.

Personal Protective Equipment — gloves, gowns, masks, and eyewear worn to protect against exposure to hazards.

A broad-spectrum antiseptic solution used for skin and mucous membrane disinfection prior to procedures.

Polyvinyl chloride — a plastic commonly used in IV bags, tubing, and disposable medical products.

A class of broad-spectrum disinfectant used for surface decontamination in healthcare settings.

A puncture-resistant container designed for safe disposal of needles, scalpels, and other sharp medical waste.

Free from all viable microorganisms; required for any product introduced into a sterile body cavity or surgical field.

A defined area free from microorganisms, established and maintained for a specific procedure.

A soft tubular fabric worn under casts and bandages to protect skin and improve patient comfort.

Stock Keeping Unit — a unique identifier used by sellers to track inventory, often distinct from the manufacturer MPN.

A brand of transparent film dressing used over IV sites and superficial wounds to allow visual inspection.

A perforated plastic medical tape with strong adhesion, used for securing tubing, devices, and dressings.

An infection-control approach in which all blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.

Fluid produced by a wound; assessing its volume and character guides dressing selection.