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Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

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 Methods

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,...

Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection

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...

Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration

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.

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering

Published on: June 21, 2022

Revisiting Essure--Toward Safe and Effective Sterilization

Sanket S Dhruva¹, Joseph S Ross, Aileen M Gariepy

¹From the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program (S.S.D., J.S.R.), the Section of General Internal Medicine (J.S.R.), and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.M.G.), Yale University School of Medicine, the Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health (J.S.R.), and the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital (J.S.R.) New Haven, and the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health System, West Haven (S.S.D.) - all in Connecticut.

The New England Journal of Medicine

|September 24, 2015

Summary

No abstract available in PubMed .

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