Sterilization

Definition: Kill all living organisms, including viruses, bacteria, spores & fungi Pathogenic & non-pathogenic. Methods: (1) Chemical Methods: *Formaldehyde* Ethylene oxide (2) Physical Methods: * Heat * Filtration * Irradiation 1. Sterilization By Heat Dry Heat: Spores killed at 160C for 1 hour Methods of Sterilization By Dry Heat: 1. Direct Heat: Article is held on flame until red hot (inoculating wires, forceps, spatulas) 2. Flaming: Burning an article in spirit or gas flame 3. Hot-air oven: Oven has a thermostat, & a fan to circulate hot air. (scalpels, needles).

Works at 160C for 1 hour, to sterilize glassware, metals , swabs, oils, powder

Moist Heat: Most effective and efficient. Spores are killed by exposure to moist heat at 121C for 1030 minutes. Methods of Sterilization by Moist Heat: Uses saturated steam - better than dry hot air because: Quicker heating up exposed particles Penetrating cotton stoppers, paper wrappers, surgical linen and hollow apparatus. What is the apparatus Used? Autoclave 2. Sterilization by Radiation Ultra-violet Radiation Ionizing Radiation: X-ray, gamma rays Used to sterilize plastics 1. Sterilization by Filtration Used to sterilize toxins, serum, antibiotics

Disinfection Lab
Disinfection defined as: Cleaning of some or all of the pathogenic organisms which may cause infection Types of disinfectants Alcohols Alcohols, usually ethanol or isopropanol, are sometimes used as a disinfectant. They are non-corrosive, but can be a fire hazard. Aldehydes Aldehydes, such as Glutaraldehyde, have a wide microbiocidal activity.