title: Definitions of key terms used in the NNIS System.
abstract: For valid comparisons with the published NNIS nosocomial infection rates, hospitals must define data elements in the same way. Definitions for infections, risk factors, and populations monitored are specified in the NNIS System, but thus far only infection definitions and the list of NNIS operative procedure categories have been published. This article defines other key terms used in the NNIS System.
authors.affiliation: Nosocomial Infections Surveillance Activity, Hospital Infections Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Horan
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Emori
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States; D018875:Vocabulary, Controlled