Disinfection, Decontamination, or Sterilization?

Here is a quick definition of these three terms, all of which refer to operations aimed at eliminating unwanted microorganisms:

• Decontamination involves removing microorganisms or limiting their number on inert surfaces or living tissues. After the operation, more than 10,000 bacteria may still be present.
• Disinfection (also called pasteurization or debacterization) aims to destroy or inactivate unwanted agents on contaminated surfaces. Once the process is completed, between 10 and 10,000 bacteria may still remain in the treated area.
• Sterilization, finally, results in the total and permanent destruction of microorganisms present on a contaminated inert surface. The residual quantity of bacteria is then zero.

Decontamination is more akin to cleaning: it is essentially a pre-disinfection step.

Disinfection or Sterilization Techniques: What Are the Differences?

In practice, one process or the other is used depending on the tolerance threshold of the treated products. Indeed, sterilization involves ionization of 25 kilogray or more. For reference, the gray is the unit used to represent the energy of ionizing radiation.

A product can only be referred to as “sterile” if validation has taken place. In the case of gamma or beta treatment, the ISO 11137-2 standard applies; if it is sterilization by ethylene oxide, the ISO 11135 standard must be followed.

Disinfection or debacterization is employed on products that cannot withstand sterilization.

However, at IONISOS, both disinfection and sterilization processes use the same techniques. Only the exposure thresholds and the mode of validation differ.

Disinfection or Sterilization of Products: By Ionization or Gas?

IONISOS ensures that all its clients receive thoughtful handling of their products. The choice of disinfection or sterilization process depends on multiple factors, including the composition of the product, the presence of packaging…

Beta or gamma sterilization can be performed through packaging. However, the use of ethylene oxide requires air-permeable packaging and materials that are resistant to moisture and high temperatures.

IONISOS offers its services in industrial sterilization at its various treatment centers in France and Europe. We guarantee the validation of results, personalized follow-up, and optimal responsiveness.