What is the difference between Sterilisation, Disinfection and Antisepsis?
Official publications give the following definitions: (ref. Collins, C. H. and Lyne,P. M., 1976) Sterilisation;This is an absolute term meaning complete destruction or removal of all viable micro-organisms. Disinfection; Describes the elimination or destruction of micro-organisms, but not usually bacterial spores. Generally applied to the process of making inanimate objects free from infection and safe to handle. Antisepsis; Destruction of micro-organisms, but not bacterial spores, on skin, mucus membrane or living tissue to prevent sepsis. Milton Fluid can be considered in terms of each of these actions depending on the specific situation or application. Therefore a work surface can be wiped over with Milton to disinfect it by killing all ‘live’ bacteria, but it cannot be sterilised in this way. To sterilise an object it has to be scrupulously cleaned then soaked for the required time in a solution of Milton. This will kill spores.
