Final answer:
Sanitization is the reduction of microbes on objects to safe public health levels, typically through heat or chemicals. Sterilization is a more extreme form of microbial control, aiming to remove all forms of microbial life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sanitization is the process of reducing the microbial load on inanimate objects to safe levels for public health. This is typically accomplished through the application of heat or antimicrobial chemicals. In environments such as the food service industry, commercial dishwashers use high temperatures to sanitize dishes effectively, while in healthcare settings, chemical disinfectants are commonly employed to sanitize surfaces and prevent disease transmission.
Sterilization, on the other hand, refers to the complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses, which is essential in laboratory, medical, and food industry settings. This can be achieved through physical methods such as exposure to high heat and pressure or through the use of chemicals known as sterilants. Disinfection is a less extreme form of cleaning than sterilization as it does not necessarily lead to the destruction of all forms of microbial life, particularly endospores.
Moreover, different levels of cleanliness may be required depending on the item's intended use in the clinical environment. It is also important to select the appropriate method of microbial control, considering factors such as the type of microbe, the necessary level of cleanliness, the safety, and the expense of the process chosen.