STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION
These processes are essential for killing or removing bacteria. There are three main reasons:
- To prevent infections in people, animals, and plants.
- To prevent spoilage of food and other commodities.
- For research, to avoid confusion from the growth of different organisms.
Sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of life from an object or substance. This is usually achieved by heat, but chemicals, X-rays, or radium can also be used.
A bactericide is a substance that kills bacteria. The suffix "-cide" means "killer."
Disinfection is the killing or removal of only those organisms capable of causing infection. It does not necessarily kill all organisms. Disinfection is often done with chemicals like carbolic acid or iodine. Pasteurization is a heating process used for milk disinfection, but not sterilization.
Asepsis is the practice of keeping infectious bacteria away from the work area. This involves using sterile instruments, gloves, gowns, caps, and masks. The patient's skin cannot be completely sterilized, but the operation site is thoroughly disinfected.
In bacteriology, workers use sterilized culture media and glassware, kept sterile until use by coverings and aseptic techniques.