Sterilization

Definition:

Kill all living organisms, including viruses, bacteria, spores & fungi
Pathogenic & non-pathogenic.

Methods:

(1) Chemical Methods:

*Formaldehyde* Ethylene oxide

(2) Physical Methods:

* Heat * Filtration * Irradiation

1. Sterilization By Heat

Dry Heat:

Spores killed at 160C for 1 hour

Methods of Sterilization By Dry Heat:

1. Direct Heat:

Article is held on flame until red hot (inoculating wires, forceps, spatulas)

2. Flaming:

Burning an article in spirit or gas flame (scalpels, needles).

3. Hot-air oven:

Oven has a thermostat, & a fan to circulate hot air.

 Works at 160C for 1 hour, to sterilize glassware,
metals , swabs, oils, powder

Moist Heat:

Most effective and efficient.

Spores are killed by exposure to moist heat at 121C for 10-
30 minutes.

Methods of Sterilization by Moist Heat:

Uses saturated steam - better than dry hot air because:-

Quicker
heating up exposed particles

Penetrating cotton stoppers, paper wrappers, surgical linen

and hollow apparatus.

What is the apparatus Used?

Autoclave

2. Sterilization by Radiation

Ultra-violet Radiation

Ionizing Radiation: X-ray, gamma rays

Used to sterilize plastics

1. Sterilization by Filtration

Used to sterilize toxins, serum, antibiotics

 Disinfection

Lab
Disinfection defined as: Cleaning of some or all of the pathogenic organisms
which may cause infection

Types of disinfectants

Alcohols
Alcohols, usually ethanol or isopropanol, are sometimes used as a
disinfectant. They are non-corrosive, but can be a fire hazard.

Aldehydes
Aldehydes, such as Glutaraldehyde, have a wide microbiocidal
activity.