Definition

1. Noun:
   • An infection acquired in a hospital or other healthcare facility: "Cross infection" refers specifically to an infection that a patient contracts while receiving medical treatment in a hospital, clinic, or similar healthcare setting, which is distinct from the condition for which they were originally admitted. It is a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI).

Usage

• The term is used primarily in medical and public health contexts to discuss infection control, patient safety, and hospital hygiene.
• It describes an infection transmitted from another patient, a healthcare worker, contaminated equipment, or the environment within the healthcare facility.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient developed a cross infection after surgery, requiring additional antibiotic treatment.
  • Strict hand hygiene protocols are essential to prevent cross infections in the intensive care unit.
  • The hospital's new policy successfully reduced the rate of cross infections.

Advanced Usage

• "Risk of cross infection": This phrase is commonly used to discuss the potential for infections to spread within a healthcare setting.
  • Elderly patients have a higher risk of cross infection due to weakened immune systems.

Variants and Related Words

• Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) (n): A broader term that includes any infection acquired during the process of receiving healthcare, including cross infections.
• Nosocomial infection (n): A technical, often synonymous term for an infection originating in a hospital.
• Cross-contamination (n): A related but broader term for the transfer of harmful microorganisms (not necessarily resulting in infection) from one person, object, or place to another.

Synonyms

• Hospital-acquired infection: A direct synonym.
• Nosocomial infection: A more clinical synonym.

Related Phrases

• "Prevent cross infection": A standard phrase in medical guidelines and hygiene protocols.
  • All staff must wear gloves to prevent cross infection.
• "Source of cross infection": Refers to the origin from which an infection spreads.
  • The contaminated ventilator was identified as the source of the cross infection.

Noun

1. an infection that is acquired at a hospital or other healthcare facility