AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Sterilisation describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores ensuring acceptable level of sterility. Steam under pressure, dry heat, ethylene oxide (ETO) gas and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma are some of the methods available for this purpose.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sterilization describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is carried out in health-care facilities by physical or chemical methods.

Detailed explanation-3: -Steam or autoclave sterilization is the most common method of instrument sterilization. Instruments are placed in a surgical pack and exposed to steam under pressure. A sterilization indicator (required) such as autoclave tape or an indicator strip is used to identify instruments that have been sterilized.

Detailed explanation-4: -Autoclave: Device that sterilizes instruments or other objects using steam under pressure. The length of time required for sterilization depends on temperature, vacuum, and pressure.

Detailed explanation-5: -Achieving disinfection and sterilization through the use of disinfectants and sterilization practices is essential for ensuring that medical and surgical instruments do not transmit infectious pathogens to patients.