Disinfection, sterilization and disposables

Medical devices are one way by which healthcare-associated infections can be transmitted. Medical equipment can be categorized based on its risk of spreading infection and these categories aid decisions about whether to decontaminate or dispose of a used medical device. Decontamination is the process by which a reusable device is rendered safe for further use through cleaning and either disinfection or sterilization. It is frequently an automated process which usually involves thermal or chemical techniques and is subject to extensive quality control. Most microorganisms are inactivated or destroyed by disinfection but sterilization is required to eliminate resistant organisms and bacterial spores. Single-use medical devices are now commonplace and avoid the need for decontamination altogether.