At the core of healthcare services lies not only the diagnosis and treatment processes but also the safety of the environment in which these services are provided. One of the most critical components of patient safety in hospitals involves the measures taken against invisible threats (microorganisms). This is where the concepts of sterilization and disinfection come into play.

Although many individuals use these two terms interchangeably, they represent different processes in medical literature. In this article, we will examine how hygiene is maintained in hospitals and the stages surgical instruments go through to be prepared for use.

What Is the Difference Between Sterilization and Disinfection?

The cleaning procedures applied in hospitals are classified according to the level of risk:

1. Cleaning: It is the physical removal of dirt and dust from surfaces with water and detergent. It is the first stage.

2. Disinfection: It involves the elimination or inhibition of most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. It is generally applied to patient rooms, corridors, and furniture.

3. Sterilization: This is the highest standard of hygiene. It is the process of completely eliminating all microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their resistant spores) on an object. All surgical instruments that enter the body and come into contact with blood must be sterilized.