Sterilization: refers to the removal or destruction of all microbes, including viruses and bacterial endospores on an object; usually indicates harmful microorganisms and viruses

"Sterilization should be used for instruments, surgical gloves, and other items that come into direct contact with the blood stream or normally sterile tissues."

Aseptic: environment  or procedure that is free of contamination by pathogens

" Vegetables and fruit juices are available in aseptic packaging, and surgeons and laboratory technicians use aseptic techniques to avoid contaminating a surgical field or laboratory equipment."

Disinfection: refers to the use of physical or chemical agents known as disinfectants that usually treat inanimate objects since disinfectants alone cannot inhibit endospores or some viruses

" Antiseptics and disinfectants have the same components, but disinfectants are more concentrated or  can be left on a surface for longer periods of time."

Degerming: the removal of microbes from a surface by scrubbing, through chemicals such as soap or alcohol are commonly used during degerming, scrubbing is very important than chemical processes

" A nurse degerms your arm during preparation for an injection by rubbing the desired site with an alcohol pad before injecting."






Sanitation: process of disinfecting places and utensils used by the public to reduce the number of pathogenic microbes to meet accepted public health standard issues via steam, hot water and scrubbing

" You can disinfect your plates at home while restaurants must sanitize theirs."

Pasteurization: the use of heat to kill pathogens and reduce the number of spoilage microorganisms in food and beverages

" Milk, fruit juices, wine, and beer are commonly pasteurized."