Disinfection is the process of reducing or eliminating harmful microorganisms on inanimate objects or surfaces using physical or chemical methods.
Disinfection is used in healthcare, food preparation, laboratories, homes, and other settings to reduce the risk of infection and contamination. Its effectiveness depends on the disinfectant, the microorganism, the concentration used, the contact time,
Disinfection is not the same as sterilization. Depending on the method used, disinfection may not reliably destroy all microorganisms or bacterial spores.
QUICK FACT
Disinfection is not always effective if a surface has not been adequately cleaned first, because organic matter and other residues can interfere with the process.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Cleaning: physically removes dirt, organic matter, and some microorganisms but does not necessarily kill them.
- Sterilization: Sterilization aims to eliminate all forms of viable microbial life, whereas disinfection generally achieves a lower level of microbial control.
- Antisepsis: the use of antimicrobial substances on living tissue to reduce microorganisms.
SEE ALSO
- Sterile
- Aseptic
- Sterilization
- Contamination
- Infection