Definition of Frequently Used Terms
       • Sterilization
          –Removes all viable microorganisms including viruses
          –Material is said to be sterile
          –Usually  for inanimate objects
          –Mostly performed with heat
       Autoclave
         use saturated steam under pressure to reach temperatures
             (above boiling)
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   Definitions….
   • Disinfection
     –disinfectants
      • agents, usually chemical, used for disinfection
      • 5% bleach solution
   • The use of a physical process or chemical agent 
    (disinfectant) to destroy vegetative pathogens
   • Does not destroy bacterial endospores
   • Usually used only on inanimate objects
   • Also removes toxins
      Decontamination  & Sanitization
      • Any cleansing technique that mechanically 
        removes microorganisms to reduce 
        contamination to safe levels
        (reduction of microbial population to levels 
        deemed safe (based on public health standards)
      • Sanitizer:  compound such as soap or detergent 
        that sanitizes
      • Sanitary:  may not be free from microbes but are 
        safe for normal use
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   Antisepsis
   • Antisepsis
    –prevention of infection of living tissue by microorganisms
   •  Antiseptics
    chemical agents that kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms 
    when applied directly to exposed body surfaces to destroy or 
    inhibit vegetative pathogens
   • Sepsis:  the growth of microorganisms in the blood and 
    other tissues
   • Asepsis:  any practice that prevents the entry of 
    infectious agents into sterile tissues
 Figure 8.1