In most instances, antimicrobial chemicals are referred to as disinfectants rather than sterilants. On application, a disinfectant kills all bacteria, fungi, and viruses but not their spores or their reproductive bodies. Therefore, it only reduces them. On the other hand, sterilants remove all microorganisms. Unlike disinfectants, sterilants remove even spores, viruses, and related acellular elements. The application of antimicrobial components is in living tissues. In this regard, microorganisms are killed, whereas host cells remain unaffected. Therefore, the antimicrobial chemicals only reduce microbes and do not kill them all.
The Differences between Sterilisation and Disinfection
Both processes, disinfection and sterilization, are decontamination processes. The main difference between the two is that sterilization kills all microorganisms and also destroys all spores that might be present on surfaces, in liquids, and in compounds, amongst others. On the other hand, disinfecting reduces microorganisms from inanimate objects and surfaces (Rutala & Weber, 2004). Also, the method of disinfection is, in most instances, applied in the decontamination of surfaces and air, whereas sterilization is in food, medicine, and surgical equipment applications.
Properties That Make Antimicrobial Chemical Agents Disinfectants
For an antimicrobial chemical agent to be referred to as a good disinfectant, it has to possess several properties. For instance, disinfectants are expected to offer full microbiological sterilization and should not cause harm to human beings and other useful forms of life. Also, it’s a general expectation that they should not be expensive and should be non-corrosive. Disinfectants used indoors should not be mixed or stored with other cleaning agents. Such is meant to prevent any chemical reactions that might occur in the process.
Conclusion
There is a need to handle Sterilants and Disinfectants carefully. Some of their chemical properties, as mentioned at the beginning, are very reactive, especially when exposed to other chemicals(Block, 2001). Furthermore, efficient storage mechanisms should be followed, depending on the guidelines provided by the manufacturers.
References
Block, S. S. (Ed.). (2001). Disinfection, sterilization, and preservation. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Rutala, W. A., & Weber, D. J. (2004). Disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities: what clinicians need to know. Clinical infectious diseases, 39(5), 702-709.
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