Lakhasly

Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms, making an object sterile. Disinfection, however, only destroys vegetative and non-sporing microorganisms, reducing the number of contaminants to a safe level. Disinfectants are chemicals used for disinfection on inanimate objects, while antiseptics are milder versions used on living tissues like skin and mucous membranes.

Sterilization methods are categorized as physical or chemical. Physical methods include heat, filtration, and radiation.

Sterilization and Disinfection
Sterilization is a process in which all microorganisms (vegetative and spore forming) are destroyed or killing or removal . Sterilization is an absolute term, i.e. the article must be sterile meaning the absence of all microorganisms.
Disinfection is a process in which vegetative and non sporing microorganisms are destroyed , but not all microorganisms . It is a process of reduction of number of contaminating organisms to a level that cannot cause infection.
Disinfectants are chemicals agents that are used for disinfection. Disinfectants should be used only on inanimate objects.
Antiseptics are mild forms of disinfectants that are used externally on living tissues to kill microorganisms, e.g. on the surface of skin and mucous membranes.
Types of sterilization .
Two main types of sterilization are used :-
A- Physical Methods
• Heat
• Filtration • Radiation