Sterilization vs. Disinfection | (Quick Medical Overview)

What is infection control? What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization? Watch this quick video to find out!

➡️ Disinfection refers to the process of using chemicals or physical methods to kill or remove most or all of the harmful microorganisms from a surface or object. Disinfectants are typically used on objects that come into contact with people, such as:
- Countertops
- Door handles
- Floors
- Stethoscopes
- Pulse oximeters
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Ventilator surfaces

➡️ Common methods of disinfection include:
- Pasteurization
- Alcohol solutions
- Iodine solutions
- Glutaraldehyde (for high-level disinfection)

Note: Disinfection is generally considered less effective than sterilization, as it may not kill all types of microorganisms, including some resistant strains of bacteria.

➡️ Sterilization
Sterilization is the process of using chemicals or physical methods to kill or remove all microorganisms, including viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores. Sterilization is required on ALL reusable invasive medical equipment, such as:
- Surgical instruments
- Intravascular catheters 
- Heart-lung bypass components 
- Dialysis components 
- Bronchoscopes

➡️ Common sterilization methods include:
- Steam autoclave
- Dry heat
- Ethylene oxide gas
- Glutaraldehyde solutions

Sterilization is considered to be a more effective method of infection control than disinfection, as it kills all microorganisms, including resistant strains of bacteria. It's also important to note that in most cases, surfaces and objects in healthcare settings are first cleaned to remove dirt and debris, then disinfected or sterilized. Cleaning is an important step in infection control as it removes visible dirt and debris that can harbor microorganisms. Then disinfection or sterilization is performed depending on the requirement of the object or surface in question.

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Disinfection
0:55 - Common methods
1:18 - Sterilization
1:47 - Common Sterilization Methods

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#infectioncontrol #disinfection #sterilization

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