disinfection
Killing harmful microbes
Disinfection is the process of killing or removing harmful microorganisms from surfaces, objects, or environments.
It differs from sterilization, which eliminates all microbial life; disinfection targets pathogens that pose health risks while potentially leaving harmless organisms behind.
The hospital's disinfection protocols were updated after the outbreak.
Common disinfection methods include chemical agents like bleach, ultraviolet light, and heat treatment.
Halogen disinfectant element
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- iodineAntiseptic element, atomic fifty-three
- peroxideOxygen compound, disinfectant
ethanol · isopropanol · phenolics · ozone · formaldehyde · chlorhexidine · benzalkonium · chloramine
Disease-causing microorganism
- bacteriumSingle-celled prokaryotic life
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
- sporeAsexual reproductive cell
microbe · microorganism · prion · parasite · biofilm · mold · yeast · algae
Cleanse of pathogens
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
- fumigatePurge pests using gas
- pasteurizeHeat-treat for safety
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
autoclave · irradiation · ultraviolet · chlorination · ozonation · fogging · wiping · spraying
Medical treatment facility
- laboratoryFacility for scientific investigation
- surgicalRelating to operations
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
- dentalRelating to teeth
veterinary · cleanroom · kitchen · bathroom · public-transit · school · daycare · operating-room
Absence of harmful microorganisms
- antisepsisPrevention of infection
- biocidalLethal to organisms
- germicidalAble to kill microbes
- bactericidalAble to destroy microbes
fungicidal · efficacy · resistance · cross-contamination · recontamination · sterility · hygiene · sanitation
chlorine
Halogen disinfectant element
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- iodineAntiseptic element, atomic fifty-three
peroxide · ethanol · isopropanol · phenolics · ozone · formaldehyde · chlorhexidine · benzalkonium · chloramine · bromine
pathogen
Disease-causing microorganism
- bacteriumSingle-celled prokaryotic life
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
spore · microbe · microorganism · prion · parasite · biofilm · mold · yeast · algae · protozoa
sanitize
Cleanse of pathogens
- decontaminateRemove harmful substances
- fumigatePurge pests using gas
- pasteurizeHeat-treat for safety
sterilize · autoclave · irradiation · ultraviolet · chlorination · ozonation · fogging · wiping · spraying · soaking
hospital
Medical treatment facility
- laboratoryFacility for scientific investigation
- surgicalRelating to operations
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
dental · veterinary · cleanroom · kitchen · bathroom · public-transit · school · daycare · operating-room · morgue
asepsis
Absence of harmful microorganisms
- antisepsisPrevention of infection
- biocidalLethal to organisms
- germicidalAble to kill microbes
bactericidal · fungicidal · efficacy · resistance · cross-contamination · recontamination · sterility · hygiene · sanitation
- disease controlquarantine zone, medical quarantine, mandatory quarantine, home quarantine, self-quarantine
- biosecurityquarantine measures, disease prevention, disease control, pest management, containment measures
- embalmingembalming, embalmer, embalming fluid, formaldehyde, trocar
- Germ Killingsterilization, antiseptics, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phagocytosis
- cleaningcleaning, clean, housekeeping, clean up, daily cleaning
- cleanlinessclean, cleanliness, clean up, dirty, neatness
disinfectioncontamination
Introduction of impurities
infection · pollution · infecting · cross-contamination · dirtying
- disinfecting wipesMoist cloths that kill germs
- disinfection protocolsProcedures for eliminating harmful microbes