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Related Concept Videos

Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection01:30

Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods01:29

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods01:30

Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods

In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration01:26

Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration

Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth01:29

Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth

Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control01:27

Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
14:17

The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military

Published on: June 29, 2014

Disinfection and sterilization: an overview.

William A Rutala1, David J Weber

  • 1Hospital Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Health Care System, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030, USA. brutala@unch.unc.edu

American Journal of Infection Control
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Medical devices require appropriate cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization based on their use. Critical, semicritical, and noncritical items need specific reprocessing to prevent infections during invasive procedures.

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Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
14:56

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics

Published on: April 6, 2019

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
14:17

The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military

Published on: June 29, 2014

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
14:56

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics

Published on: April 6, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Medical Device Reprocessing
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive procedures necessitate medical devices contacting sterile tissues or mucous membranes.
  • The risk of infection transmission is directly related to the level of microbial contamination on medical devices.
  • Proper reprocessing of medical devices is crucial for patient safety in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the necessary levels of disinfection and sterilization for medical devices.
  • To emphasize the importance of cleaning prior to disinfection and sterilization.
  • To categorize medical devices based on their potential for pathogen transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Classification of medical devices into critical, semicritical, and noncritical categories.
  • Definition of reprocessing requirements (sterilization, high-level disinfection, low-level disinfection) for each category.
  • Emphasis on the prerequisite of cleaning before disinfection or sterilization.

Main Results:

  • Critical items (e.g., surgical instruments) require sterilization.
  • Semicritical items (e.g., endoscopes) require high-level disinfection.
  • Noncritical items (e.g., stethoscopes) require low-level disinfection.

Conclusions:

  • The level of reprocessing for medical devices must align with their intended use and contact with patient tissues.
  • Cleaning is an essential preliminary step for all high-level disinfection and sterilization processes.
  • Adherence to these reprocessing guidelines minimizes the risk of healthcare-associated infections.