Final answer:
Decontamination is categorized into sterilization, disinfection, sanitization, and degerming, each with different levels of effectiveness. Sterilization is the complete removal of all microbes, whereas disinfection uses chemicals to reduce microbial load, potentially achieving sterilization with high-level germicides. Sanitization and degerming reduce microbes to safe levels for public health and personal hygiene, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Levels of Decontamination
The concept of decontamination involves the reduction or removal of microbial populations to prevent infection and the spread of microbes. Decontamination can be achieved through various levels, which include sanitization, degerming, disinfection, and sterilization.
Sterilization
Sterilization is the process of killing or removing all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and endospores. Sterilization can be performed using physical means such as heat and pressure, or chemical means with sterilants. This level of decontamination is critical for critical items that come into contact with sterile tissues.
Disinfection
Disinfection destroys most microbes on non-living surfaces. Chemical disinfectants are categorized into high-level, intermediate-level, and low-level depending on the types of microbes they effectively kill. High-level germicides can lead to sterilization under the right conditions, while intermediate and low-level germicides are less effective.
Sanitization
The process of sanitization refers to reducing microbial populations to safe levels as deemed by public health standards. Sanitizing is commonly practiced in industries like food service and healthcare, where it is essential to protect against the transmission of diseases.
Degerming
Degerming aims to significantly reduce microbial numbers by scrubbing living tissue with a mild chemical. It does not completely eliminate microbes but reduces them to a safer level, thus minimizing the risk of infection.
In summary, the level of decontamination required depends on the use of the item in question and the potential for it to harbor and transfer infectious agents.