This glossary was created with input from members of PICNet, PHAC Infection Control Guidelines and the BC Ministry of Health. A list of references is available here. Definitions will be updated frequently and may change or be removed. Please send us your comments and feedback by email to picnet@phsa.ca.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Germicide: An agent that destroys microorganisms, especially pathogenic organisms (8).

Gold Standard: (jargon) a method, procedure, or measurement that is widely accepted as being the best available. Often used to compare new methods. (11)

Guideline: A guideline is a suggestion or set of suggestions that guides action. The purpose of a guideline is to provide information intended to assist health authorities to achieve a desired outcome. Guidelines may, for example, be suggestions on how to implement or comply with policy. Whereas health authorities must comply with Ministry policy, they are not required to comply with guidelines (2).