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Do you know why disinfection and sterilization are completely different concepts?
Disinfection and sterilization are often confused, but there is an essential difference between them.
In the medical, food and other industries, the terms "disinfection" and "sterilization" are often used to describe the process of eliminating harmful microorganisms. However, the boundaries between the two are very clear, and each has unique operating methods and purposes. Disinfection is primarily aimed at removing or reducing microorganisms on a surface, whereas sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of microorganisms, including heat-resistant bacterial spores. Understanding these differences can help people better maintain their health and safety.
Sterilization: Complete elimination of life forms
Sterilization refers to the complete removal, killing or inactivation of all microorganisms by heat, chemicals, radiation, high pressure or filtration. The sterilization process ensures that an object or liquid no longer contains pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that can reproduce.
This process is particularly important in the medical industry, especially during surgery, when all instruments entering the sterile environment, such as scalpels and needles, must be sterilized. Any tiny contamination may cause infection and pose a great threat to the patient's health.
Disinfection: Reducing the number of microorganisms
Disinfection, unlike sterilization, involves reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels, usually using chemicals or heat. This method does not guarantee complete elimination of all microorganisms, but it can reduce their numbers to a level that will not cause infection. Disinfection is generally used to clean surfaces in living spaces, such as desks, equipment and medical instruments. This process can effectively reduce the risk of pathogen spread.
Disinfection is not the same as sterilization. There are fundamental differences between the two in terms of the goals they pursue and the final results.
Various sterilization and disinfection methods
Common methods of sterilization include steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, chemical sterilization, etc. Steam sterilization is generally carried out using water vapor at high temperature, which can quickly and effectively kill most microorganisms. For heat-sensitive materials, such as medical devices and testing equipment, chemical gases such as ethylene oxide are often used for sterilization.
Disinfection methods may include using chlorine or alcohol-based disinfectants to disinfect surfaces, or using ultraviolet light to disinfect to reduce the number of pathogens.
Different applicable scenarios
In the food industry, the purpose of sterilization is to ensure the safety and shelf life of food. Early food canning technology used heat sterilization to prevent the growth of microorganisms. According to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, commercial sterilization means the absence of microorganisms that can grow in food under normal non-refrigerated conditions.
In the medical field, in addition to the sterilization of surgical instruments, the sterilization requirements in the drug manufacturing process are also extremely strict. Any invasive medical procedure must use sterile drugs and consumables, which is crucial to patient safety.
SummaryIn general, sterilization refers to the complete elimination of biological factors, which is an essential measure for some industries, while disinfection is to reduce the number of microorganisms to provide a safe environment. Each has its own unique importance and plays a key role in different contexts. Now that we understand these basic concepts, let’s think about this: How can you use this knowledge to protect your health in your daily life?
