Sterilization and Disinfection
Sterilization and Disinfection, Sterilization is defined as the complete pilling or removal of all visible microorganisms and Spores from an object or a particular environment.
Disinfection: Disinfection is defined as the killing, inhibition, or removal of pathogenic microorganisms (usually in inanimate or non-living objects).
Difference:
| Terms of Comparision | Sterilization | Disinfection |
| Definition | The Process of Complete killing or removal of all living microorganisms | The Process of Complete killing or removal of all living microorganisms |
| Mode of Action | They kills both vegetative cells and spores. | They kill both vegetative cells and spores. |
| Type of Methods | They kill both vegetative cells and spores | Chemical methods are used for disinfection |
| Examples | Heat (dry and moist) Radiation Filtration Chemical | Alcohol Chlorine Compounds Formaldehyde FoHydrogen Peroxide |
| Chemical agents used to carry out sterilization are called sterilants | Chemical agents used to carry out sterilization are called sterilants | Chemical agents used to carry out sterilization are called sterilants |
| Methods | Chemical agents used to carry out sterilization are called sterilants Physical Method: Chemical Method: Thermal Gaseous Filtration Liquid Radiation | There are two methods of disinfection 1. Thermal Process 2. chemical Process |
| Applications | Used mainly for decontamination in food Medicine and Research kill my deactivate all forms of life microorganisms Like bacteria Fungi Spores Fluids | Used in daily life like decontamination Surface and air To destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the surface of an instrument or surgical device Used in the water industry Food processing Use in hospitals |