Explanation should include the following:
- Terminal cleaning eliminates only disease-causing organisms.
- Disinfection is the chemical reduction of the number of microorganisms; may be low- or high-level.
- Sterilization eliminates all organisms, including spores.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What items require low-level disinfection? High-level disinfection? Sterilization?
- What are spores? What harm can they cause in the operating room?
- What is the difference between the techniques and products used to sterilize vs. the techniques and products used for terminal cleaning?
- When is only terminal cleaning needed? When is sterilization essential? Why?
- What is an example of new technology (i.e., robotics) in cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?