What it means
In infection control, the method that kills every form of microbial life, including bacterial spores, so an item is sterileSTAIR-ulFree of all living microorganisms; also, unable to have children.Full entry . Methods include steam under pressure (an autoclave), dry heat, gases such as ethylene oxide and some chemicals. Anything that enters sterile tissue or the bloodstream, such as surgical instruments, must be sterilized. In family planning, sterilization means a surgery that ends the ability to have children: tubal ligation or vasectomy.
For the nurse
Before opening a sterile package, check that the package is dry and intact, the chemical indicator has changed color and the date is not past. Disinfection is a lower level that does not kill all spores.
At a glance
| Spanish | esterilización |
|---|---|
| Also written | sterilize, sterilized, sterilizing, sterilizes |
Related terms
contraception
The use of a method, device or drug to prevent pregnancy.
microorganism
A living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
sterile
Free of all living microorganisms; also, unable to have children.
contamination
The presence of germs or harmful substances on something that should be clean or sterile.
surgical asepsis
Practices that keep an area or object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique.