Both sterilization and disinfection describe the elimination of microbial contamination and the achievement of a state suitable for patient care in select situations.However,disinfection differs from sterilization in that the process for disinfection uses:
A) contact precautions as well as universal precautions.
B) hospital-grade disinfectant/sterilants.
C) semi critical medical devices used for ambulatory procedures.
D) agents to disinfect and eliminate most, if not all, pathogenic microbes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disinfection is defined as the process of eliminating many or all pathogenic organisms,except bacterial spores,from inanimate objects.In healthcare facilities,equipment is usually soaked in liquid chemicals for a specified period to achieve disinfection of the equipment or item.The disinfection process may destroy tubercle bacilli and inactivate hepatitis viruses and enteroviruses but usually does not kill resistant bacterial spores.The term disinfection also may refer to treatment of body surfaces that have been contaminated with infectious material.Chemicals used to disinfect inanimate objects are referred to as disinfectants.Chemicals used for body surfaces are known as antiseptics.The term germicide refers to any solution that destroys microorganisms.

Both Sterilization and Disinfection Describe the Elimination of Microbial Contamination