Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What is the general term for any inanimate object involved in the spread of infection?

1. Pathogen

2. Vector

3. Fomite

4. Host

The correct answer is: Fomite

The correct answer is the term "fomite," which refers specifically to any inanimate object that can harbor and transmit infectious agents. This can include items such as utensils, door handles, medical equipment, or any surfaces that could potentially carry pathogens like bacteria or viruses, allowing them to be transferred from one person to another. Understanding the concept of a fomite is crucial in infection control practices, especially in settings like healthcare, where minimizing the risk of infection transmission is paramount. Fomites play a significant role in the chain of infection, as they can contribute to the spread of diseases if not properly cleaned and disinfected. In contrast to a fomite, pathogens are the actual microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) that cause disease. Vectors are typically living organisms (like insects or animals) that can carry and transmit infectious agents, while a host is an organism that harbors a pathogen, allowing it to survive and multiply. This distinction highlights the unique role that fomites play in the context of infection transmission.