Knowra Sterilization Sterilization Sterilization is a validated process that destroys or removes all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. It differs from disinfection, which may leave spores intact.
Autoclave : A pressure vessel that uses saturated steam to sterilize heat-resistant materials. Pressurized steam is a widely used way to achieve sterilization through moist heat.
Bacterial endospore : A dormant, highly resistant structure produced by some bacteria to survive adverse conditions. Endospores are among the hardest microbial forms to destroy and anchor sterilization standards.
Medical device reprocessing : The cleaning, disinfection, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Sterilization is the final microbial-control stage for many reusable instruments.
Disinfection : A process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on objects, but may not destroy bacterial spores. Disinfection generally has a less stringent endpoint than sterilization.
Dry heat sterilization : A sterilization method that uses hot air to destroy microorganisms, typically over longer exposure times than moist heat. It sterilizes materials that tolerate high temperatures but are damaged by moisture.
Bioburden : The population of viable microorganisms present on or in an item before sterilization. The initial microbial load affects the evidence and process conditions needed for validation.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing : The regulated production of medicines, including controls that protect product quality and patient safety. Sterilization is used for products, equipment, and environments where microbial contamination is unacceptable.
Antisepsis : The use of antimicrobial substances on living tissue to reduce or inhibit microorganisms. Antisepsis applies to tissue and does not claim to remove all microbial life.
Ethylene oxide sterilization : A low-temperature sterilization method using ethylene oxide gas to inactivate microorganisms. The gas can sterilize heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices.
D-value : The exposure time at a specified condition required to reduce a microbial population by 90 percent. D-values help quantify how long a process must expose resistant organisms.
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