Sterile describes a state in which no viable microorganisms are present, according to the applicable sterility standard or validated process.
Sterility is important in healthcare, laboratory work, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical-device production. Items that may require sterility include surgical instruments, certain medicines, and equipment that enters normally sterile tissues or the bloodstream.
Sterility is different from simply being clean or having a low number of microorganisms. It must be achieved and maintained through appropriate processes and handling.
Sterilization is the process used to achieve a sterile state.
QUICK FACT
“Clean,” “disinfected,” and “sterile” are not interchangeable terms. Sterility represents the highest level of microbial control.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Aseptic: describes practices or conditions intended to prevent microbial contamination.
- Disinfection: reduces or eliminates many harmful microorganisms on objects or surfaces but does not necessarily destroy all microbial forms, including bacterial spores.
SEE ALSO
- Sterilization
- Disinfection
- Contamination
- Infection
- Aseptic