Glossary: M-EDTA

A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

A chemical that binds certain metal ions, such as calcium, magnesium, lead, and iron. It is used in medicine to prevent blood samples from clotting and to remove calcium and lead from the body. It is also used to keep bacteria from forming a biofilm (thin layer stuck to a surface). It is a type of chelating agent. Also called edetic acid and etheylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

A substance being studied in the prevention of bacterial infections that occur in catheters (thin tubes that carry fluids into or out of the body). It is a combination of minocycline, an antibiotic that blocks the growth of bacteria, and EDTA, a substance that keeps blood clots from forming. M-EDTA removes metals that bacteria use to form biofilms (thin layers stuck to surfaces). Also called minocycline-EDTA.

A substance being studied in the prevention of bacterial infections that occur in catheters (thin tubes that carry fluids into or out of the body). It is a combination of minocycline, an antibiotic that blocks the growth of bacteria, and EDTA, a substance that keeps blood clots from forming. Minocycline-EDTA removes metals that bacteria use to form biofilms (thin layers stuck to surfaces). Also called M-EDTA.

In medicine, action taken to decrease the chance of getting a disease or condition. For example, cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and radiation exposure) and increasing protective factors (such as getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy diet).