Disinfection:

IT ELIMINATES PATHOGENIC VEGETATIVE MICROORGANISMS BUT IT DOES NOT ELIMINATES ALL MICROBIAL
FORMS (SPORES). THIS PROCESS IS RESERVED FOR LARGE ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACES THAT CANNOT BE
STERILIZED (E.G. A DENTAL CHAIR).
Sterilization:
THE USE OF A PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCEDURE TO DESTROY ALL MICROBIAL LIFE, INCLUDING HIGHLY
RESISTANT BACTERIAL ENDO SPORES.

Methods of sterilization:
 I) PHYSICAL METHODS
 A) DRY HEAT
 B) MOIST HEAT
 TYPES OF DRY HEAT ARE
 1. INCINERATION
 2. HOT AIR OVEN
TYPES OF MOIST HEAT ARE
 1. CONTINOUS FLOW FLASH PASTEURIZATION
 2. RETAINED METHOD
 3. BOILING
 4. TYDDALLIZATION
 5. AUTOCLAVE


 ii) RADIATION:
 1. GAMMA RADIATION
 2. HIGH ENERGY ELECTRONS


 Iii) FILTRATION LIGHT


 Iv) CHEMICAL METHODS CHEMICAL AGENTS CAN BE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE CATEGORIES ON THE BASIS OF THEIR
MODE OF ACTION.
1. DISRUPTION OF THE CELL MEMBRANE
ALCOHOL, DETERGENTS and PHENOLS


2. MODIFICATION OF PROTEINS
CHLORINE, IODINE, HEAVY METALS, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, FORMALDEHYde, GLUTARALDEHYDE, Ethylene Oxide, Alkalis & Acids

3.MODIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS A VARIETY OF DYES NOT ONLY STAIN BUT ALSO INHIBIT THE GROWTH OF MICRO ORGANISMA
E.G, CRYSTAL VIOLET, MALACHITE GREEN

v) AUTOCLAVE
Common method of sterilization in surgery. Expect penetration of steam is limited and moisture
damage is a problem
 Principle: HEAT KILLS PATHOGENIC ORGANISMS THROUGH PROTEIN COAGULATION, RNA AND DNA
BREAKDOWN OF MICROORGANISM
Procedure: INSTRUMENTS ARE WASHED WITH TAP WATER AND PACKED IN STERILIZATION POUCH.THEY ARE THEN
PLACED IN A CABINET AND DOORS ARE SEALED.A CONSIDERABLE VACCUM IS FIRST APPLIED TO EVACUATE AS MUCH AIR AS
POSSIBLE.THEN STEAM IS ADMITTED AT A PRESSURE OF 15LB/IN².IT IS CONTINUED FOR 15-20 MIN.

Uses: BECAUSE THE BACTERIAL SPORES ARE RESISTANT TO BOILING THEY MUST BE EXPOSED TO HIGH
TEMPERATURE.THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED UNTIL THE PRESSURE IS INCREASED .FOR THIS PURPOSE
AUTOCLAVE IS USED.
 TEMPERATURE PRESSURE &TIME 121°C --- 15 PSI 15 MINUTES
Disadvantages:
RECIRCULATION OF WATER ACCUMULATES CONTAMINANTS IN THE AUTOCLAVE. TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM
ONLY FRESH DISTILLED WATER SHOULD BE USED FOR EACH CYCLE
MERCURY VAPOR HAZARD
NEVER ALLOW AMALGAM CONTAINING TEETH OR INSTRUMENTS TO BE AUTOCLAVED
RUST AND CORROSION OF INSTRUMENTS THIS CAN BE OVERCOME BY
CHEMICAL CORROSION INHIBITORS
RAPID SPEED AUTOCLAVES
ANTI-RUST PRETREATMENT