What does the term 'percutaneous' refer to?

The term 'percutaneous' specifically refers to procedures or actions that involve exposure through the skin. This word is often used in medical contexts to describe methods that access the body’s interior by penetrating the skin, typically using a needle or tube. For example, percutaneous procedures include injections or placement of devices through the skin into underlying tissues or organs, such as in cases of inserting a catheter or performing a biopsy.

In the context of dental hygiene or medical practice, understanding this term is significant as it highlights the relevance of procedures that may involve skin penetration and the precautions that must be taken to prevent infection or complications. Options that describe methods of cleaning surfaces, forms of germicidal action, or specific types of dental procedures do not relate to the core meaning of 'percutaneous,' which is solely focused on the involvement of the skin in a procedure.