Based on the article provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is essential to understand that cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization serve as the fundamental pillars of infection prevention and control within hospital and healthcare facility settings. The extent and method of decontamination required are contingent upon the specific nature of the medical device and its intended purpose.

Cleaning is an activity that removes organic and inorganic materials or dirt that is on the device surfaces with the main purpose of removing conditions that would enable the growth of microorganisms. Cleaning also allows the disinfectant to come into contact with items to kill microorganisms.

This is a mechanical activity mainly done with soaps or detergents with different pH levels that help to remove the dirt material. After washing, objects should be carefully rinsed in order to eliminate any residual chemicals and then dried.

Disinfection is an activity that consists of eliminating many of the pathogenic microorganisms that live on the device’s surfaces. It should be performed just after a cleaning activity to guarantee that all other organic material has been removed.

This can be done with chemical and/or heating activities depending on the nature of the type of equipment, disinfectant used, and processes selected. The disinfection approach should be selected based on its documented effectiveness with different microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungi that might be contaminating the device. Chemicals used should have a sanitary registration for use in medical environments and must be recommended by the manufacturer.

Sterilization is the process that eliminates all living microorganisms including spores from surfaces. It should be performed just after cleaning and disinfection activities to guarantee that organic material and most pathogenic microorganism have been removed.

This can done with mechanical, e.g. steam sterilization, or chemical activity, e.g. ethylene oxide

Updated on 16 Oct, 2023

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