sterilization

sterilization /ster·i·li·za·tion/ (ster?i-li-za´shun)

1. the complete elimination or destruction of all living microorganisms.

2. any procedure by which an individual is made incapable of reproduction.

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ster·il·i·za·tion (str-l-zshn)

n.

1. The act or procedure of sterilizing.

2. The condition of being sterile or sterilized.

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sterilization,

n the act or process of rendering sterile; the removal of viable microorganisms.

sterilization, chemical,

n a method in which an object is immersed in a liquid containing sanitizing chemicals. Used for objects that cannot withstand high temperatures. Glutaraldehyde is one such sterilizer, which must be in contact with the instrument for at least 10 hours for proper sterilization. Other chemical sterilizers may require up to 24 hours of instrument contact. Colloquial term is
cold sterilization.

sterilization, chemical vapor,

n the process of destroying all living microorganisms through the use of chemicals heated under pressure to form a gaseous state. The various chemicals used include alcohol, formaldehyde, acetone, ketene, and water.

sterilization, steam,

n application of moist heat at 121° F for 15 minutes to destroy all microorganisms on an object. It is typically conducted in an autoclave, which applies approximately 15 psi of pressure to achieve this temperature.

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sterilization

1. the process of rendering an animal incapable of reproduction, by castration, vasectomy, ovariohysterectomy or other procedure.

2. the process of destroying all microorganisms and their pathogenic products. It is accomplished by heat (wet steam under pressure at 120°C for at least 45 minutes, or dry heat at 160-180°C for 3 hours) or by bactericidal chemical compounds.

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skin sterilization

not a practical possibility, but a marked temporary reduction in the bacterial population of the skin, as in presurgical preparation of the surgical site and the hands of operating personnel, is achieved with thorough scrubbing, soaking or repeated applications of antiseptics.