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Sterilisation

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Sterilisation is a process that destroys all living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, on a surface or object. It is a highly effective way to disinfect and prevent the growth of harmful organisms. The process involves employing physical, chemical, or even radiation techniques to eliminate all traces of life.

Methods of Sterilisation:

  • Heat: Heating an object to a high temperature, typically 121ยฐC (250ยฐF) for at least 15 minutes, can kill most bacteria.
  • Irradiation: Ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays, can kill bacteria and other organisms.
  • Chemical agents: Certain chemicals, such as ethylene oxide (EtO) and formaldehyde, are used to disinfect and sterilize equipment and surfaces.
  • Dry heat: Extreme heat, such as autoclaving at 121ยฐC for a specific time, can also sterilize objects.
  • Pressure sterilization: Extreme pressure, such as 20,000 psi, can kill bacteria.

Applications of Sterilisation:

  • Medical equipment: Sterilization is essential for preventing infections in surgical instruments, implants, and other medical equipment.
  • Biological samples: Sterilization is used to ensure the purity and safety of biological samples, such as blood or tissues, for research purposes.
  • Food preservation: Sterilization can be used to preserve food by destroying harmful bacteria.
  • Disinfection: Sterilization can be used to disinfect surfaces and equipment in hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities.
  • Other applications: Sterilization is used in various industries, such as the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries.

Additional notes:

  • Sterilisation is a more extreme form of disinfection as it aims to kill all living organisms, while disinfection typically targets specific harmful organisms.
  • Different sterilization methods are used based on the specific object, its sensitivity to heat and chemicals, and the required level of sterility.
  • Sterilization procedures must be carried out carefully and according to established guidelines to ensure proper implementation and effectiveness.

FAQs

  1. What is the sterilization process?

    Sterilization is a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, to ensure objects are completely free from contaminants.

  2. What are the four main types of sterilization?

    The four main types are (1) heat sterilization, (2) chemical sterilization, (3) radiation sterilization, and (4) filtration sterilization.

  3. Why is sterilization used?

    Sterilization is essential to prevent infections, especially in medical, lab, and food environments, ensuring that equipment and surfaces are safe for use.

  4. What are the common methods of sterilization in hospitals?

    Hospitals commonly use methods like autoclaving (steam sterilization), dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, and chemical disinfectants.

  5. What is sterilization surgery?

    Sterilization surgery is a permanent procedure to prevent reproduction, such as tubal ligation in women or vasectomy in men.

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