non-sterile
Has some germs
Non-sterile describes something not free from microorganisms—the opposite of sterile.
Medical supplies are either sterile or non-sterile depending on their intended use: non-sterile gloves for routine exams, sterile gloves for surgery.
In laboratory contexts, non-sterile equipment hasn't been treated to eliminate bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants.
Not clean
- uncleanSoiled or contaminated
- taintedContaminated, made impure
- impureNot wholly clean
- soiledMade unclean
polluted · fouled · adulterated · unsanitized · unhygienic · compromised · exposed · touched
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
fungi · contamination · cross-contamination · sepsis · infection · hospital-acquired · post-operative · immunocompromised
Fit for repeated service
- multi-useHaving several applications
- outpatientTreated without admission
- clinicalEmotionally detached, medically precise
- proceduralFollowing set steps
catheter · implant · operating-room · autoclave · expired
dirty
Not clean
soiled · polluted · fouled · adulterated · unsanitized · unhygienic · compromised · exposed · touched · handled
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
virus · fungi · contamination · cross-contamination · sepsis · infection · hospital-acquired · post-operative · immunocompromised · transmission
reusable
Fit for repeated service
- multi-useHaving several applications
- outpatientTreated without admission
- clinicalEmotionally detached, medically precise
procedural · catheter · implant · operating-room · autoclave · expired
non-sterilesterile
Free from microorganisms
sterilized · aseptic · germ-free · sterile field · disinfected
non-sterilesterile
Free from microorganisms
pure · clean · uncontaminated · pristine · immaculate