Lab 7- Control Of Microorganisms

Sterilization

The process of complete destruction of all forms of microbial life. Spores are killed.

Sterility is an absolute and no living organisms can be present.

Disinfection

• Process which kills vegetative cells and pathogens

• Disinfection might kill some spores

• Disinfection is not absolute

• Some vegetative cells could survive, depending on the process

Sanitation

A process which reduces the total number of organisms (thorough cleaning)

Asepsis

A situation free of living organisms, including spores

Aseptic techniques

The techniques used to prevent the introduction of organisms

Antisepsis

The prevention of sepsis by exclusion, destruction or inhibition of organisms.

• Antisepsis is a broader definition that asepsis

Disinfectant

A chemical agent that kills vegetative cells and is used on inanimate objects.

• Whether or not all the vegetative cells are killed is dependent on the disinfectant and the technique employed

Antiseptic

A chemical agent that might kill some organisms and interferes with the growth of other organisms.

• Antiseptics are used on inanimate objects. In some cases, a dilute disinfectant can be used as an antiseptic.

Sanitizer

A chemical agent that decreases the total number of organisms present

Static

Words ending in static such as bacteriostatic, indicate the inhibition of the growth of organisms

Cidal

Words ending in cidal such as bacteriocidal, indicate the killing of organisms

Quenching

The inactivation or neutralization of a chemical agent by the presence of organic or biological substances, such as blood, pus and chemical agents

Fomite

An inanimate article that can transmit infectious agents. Used to describe articles that do not have a specific description and are deemed responsible for the transmission of organisms such as sheets, books, food and water bowls, litter, blankets

What 5 ways do antibiotics kill bacteria