The three levels of decontamination for reusable medical devices are:
- Cleaning - this is the initial step involving the removal of visible dirt, organic material, and debris using water and detergents. Cleaning reduces microorganisms and removes substances that can protect microbes, making subsequent steps more effective.
- Disinfection - the second level involving chemical agents or heat to kill or inactivate most pathogenic microorganisms except bacterial spores. Disinfection has sublevels like low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level disinfection based on the extent of microbe elimination needed.
- Sterilization - the highest level of decontamination, which completely destroys all microbial life including bacterial spores. Sterilization is necessary for devices that contact sterile body tissues or fluids.
These levels correspond to increasing degrees of microbial eradication and are selected based on the risk related to device use and patient vulnerability. Cleaning is essential before disinfection or sterilization to ensure effectiveness.
