Levels and Methods of Asepsis

What are the three main levels of asepsis?

Cleaning (sanitization), disinfection, and sterilization.

What are three methods of sterilization?

Steam (autoclave), dry heat, and chemical solutions.

What is disinfection?

The middle level of asepsis.

What does high-level disinfection do?

Destroys most pathogens but may not be effective on spores.

What does low-level disinfection do?

Kills most bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses.

What is cleaning (sanitization)?

The lowest level of asepsis; uses mild chemicals to remove pathogens and can be used on people.

What products are used in the cleaning process?

Soap, alcohol, and antiseptic solutions such as iodine and betadine.