DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STERILIZATION, DISINFECTION, SANITIZATION

All would have heard the terms ‘Sterilization, Disinfection and Sanitization’ at some point of your life. Are these three terms means the same? What would you choose if you want to clean your house/ workplace? Does anyone know what it exactly means? At this present scenario it is very important to know the difference between ‘Sterilization, Disinfection and Sanitization’. So let’s have a look!!!

Sterilization and disinfection are both decontamination processes. But Sanitization is mere cleaning or washing in order to remove all the dust/debris present on that surface. It can be done by any detergents, liquids, powders etc. So it includes all our household works like cleaning, mopping etc. But only using a liquid or powder won’t eliminate the microorganisms present on the surface. So sanitization is usually followed by disinfection where most of the harmful microorganisms are reduced/ eliminated but not all. Sanitization is an essential step before disinfection as disinfection do not work well against dirt/debris. Disinfection can be achieved by using phenols, chlorine bleach, alcohol, any antimicrobial agents.

As we discussed disinfection will reduce the microbial load but won’t kill. If you want to completely kill the microbial vegetative cells and spores, you have to go for sterilization. The process of sterilization involves heat, chemicals, radiation, high pressure or a combination and hence we need a professional to carry out the process.

For example if you want to clean a toilet in your home you have to disinfect. Sterilization here plays a role if only the person residing there had some transmissible infections. But in case of cleaning your floor, first you have to sanitize the area to remove all the dust, then disinfect. But the importance of disinfection here depends upon the personnel. Sanitization is more than enough in a house whereas in areas like hospitals, sanitization must be followed by disinfection and sterilization (ICU, Operation theater etc.)