STERILISATION

TOPICS

 Introduction
-Definition
-History
-Terminology
 Classification of sterilizing
agents
 STERILIZATION
& DISINFECTION
 Sterilization is defined as “the process by
which an article , surface or medium is
freed of all living microorganisms either in
the vegetative or spore state.”

 Disinfection means “the destruction or

removal of all pathogenic micro organisms
capable of giving rise to infection but not
necessarily resistant spores.”
WHY STERILISATION???

 Micro organisms are ubiquitous.

 To prevent contamination by extraneous
organisms.
 In surgery, to maintain asepsis.
 In food and drug manufacture to ensure
safety.
 HISTORY
 Oliver Wendal Holmes(1843) and Ignaz
Semmelweis(1846) concluded that puerperal
sepsis was transmitted by contaminated
hands of Obstetricians, nurses, medical
students.
 Can be prevented
by washing hands
in aseptic
solution.
 LOUIS PASTEUR(1822-1895) – Father of
modern Microbiology.
 Proposed “GERM THEORY”
 In the course of these studies,
he introduced techniques of
sterilization and developed the
steam sterilizer, hot air oven
and autoclave.
 Pasteurization.
 JOSEPH LISTER – Father of Antiseptic
Surgery.
 In 1866, Lister suggested antiseptic
surgery which involved the use of
“CARBOLIC ACID”.
 Pronounced drop in mortality and morbidity
observed. Marked the Beginning of Modern
aseptic conditions from the era of Laudable pus.

Carbolic acid, phenol

 JOHN TYNDAL (19th century)
–Tyndallisation (Intermittent
sterilization).
 Student of Pasteur.
 Tyndallisation essentially consists of
boiling the substance at 1000C for 15
minutes for three days in a row.
 Used for media containing sugars and
gelatin.
 It is generally effective, but its reliability
is not considered 100% certified.
 TERMINOLOGY
TERM DEFINITION
Antiseptics Substances which either kill micro organisms of inhibit their growth
Disinfectants Compounds that kill micro organisms( except bacterial endospores)
Asepsis Technique that is employed in preventing infections from gaining access to
an infected tissue.
Cleaning Cleaning is a soil removing process that removes many micro organisms . It
a necessary prerequisite to sterilization & disinfection.
Sterilant Chemical agents that destroy all micro organisms including spores.
Germicide Chemical or physical agent that destroys most organisms but not
endospores, used on skin and inanimate objects.
Sporocide Generally a chemical agent that destroys both bacterial & fungal spores
Fungicide Chemical substances that destroy fungi
Virucide Chemical agents that destroy viruses
Bactriostat Chemical agents that inhibit bacterial growth
Sanitizer An agent, usually a detergent that reduces the no. of bacteria to a safe level
 WHICH METHOD OF
STERILISATION??
The method of sterilization to be
employed depends on :
 The purpose for which it is carried out.
 The material which has to be sterilized.
 Nature of micro organisms to be
destroyed.
CLASSIFICATION OF
STERILIZING AGENTS
THANK YOU….