Autoclaving: Sterilization by steam under pressure (15 lb./in 2) for prescribed time periods; better than dry heat, as sterilization is achieved at lower temperatures (121C).

Biologics: A new class of systemic therapies that contain proteins derived from living cells, as opposed to traditional pharmaceutical drugs that are made up of non-living chemicals. Biologics usually are given through injection.

Corrosive: A chemical agent that reacts with the surface of a material causing it to deteriorate or wear away.

DOT: Acronym for the Department of Transportation.

Endocrine disruptors: Substances, which interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking, blocking or otherwise disrupting the function of hormones.

HL7: An acronym for Health Level 7, it is a standard for healthcare and is the interface standard for communication between various systems employed in the medical community.

Hazardous Waste: Solid waste that exhibits one of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste (reactivity, corrosivity, ignitability, and/or toxicity) or is specifically designated as such by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Immunosuppressants: Prescribed drugs that aim to suppress the Immune System. These include prednisone, prednisalone, methotrexate, imuran, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, etc.

Infectious Waste: Hazardous waste capable of causing infections in humans, including: human blood and blood products, isolation waste, pathological waste, and discarded sharps (needles, scalpels or broken medical instruments).

JCAHO: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Labeler: Any firm that manufactures, repacks, relabels, or distributes (under its own name) a drug product.

Material Data Safety Sheet: Contains information on the hazards associated with a chemical, along with guidance on its safe use.

Medical Waste Incinerator: A furnace or other closed fire chamber located at a medical facility and used to dispose of waste generated at medical facilities by burning.

National Drug Code (NDC): Each drug product listed under section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), 21 U.S.C. § 360, is assigned a unique 10-digit, 3-segment number. This number, known as the National Drug Code (NDC), identifies the labeler/vendor, product, and trade package size. The first segment, the labeler code, is assigned by the FDA. The second segment, the product code, identifies a specific strength, dosage form, and formulation for a particular firm. The third segment, the package code, identifies package sizes. Both the product and package codes are assigned by the firm. The NDC will be in one of the following configurations: 4-4-2, 5-3-2, or 5-4-1.

POTWs: Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). Any sewage treatment system operated by a public agency.

RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A Federal law enacted in 1976 to address the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Sharps Container: Made of a variety of products from cardboard to plastic. Each sharps container must be either labeled with the universal biohazard symbol and the word "biohazard" or be color-coded red. Sharps containers must be rigid, break-resistant, closable, puncture resistant, and leak proof on sides and bottom. Sharps containers must be able to be closed in such a manner as to be completely sealed.

Toxic: Any substance that can cause death, abnormalities, disease, mutations, cancer, deformities, or reproductive malfunctions in an organism.