Understanding Decontamination Procedures: What Kills Spores?

Sterilization: The Ultimate Spore Killer

Sterilization is the process of completely removing or killing all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from a specific item or environment. This is the only decontamination procedure that guarantees the destruction of spores.

Methods of Sterilization

There are several methods of sterilization, including physical and chemical means. Physical methods often involve high heat and pressure, such as autoclaving, which uses pressurized steam to achieve sterilization temperatures. On the other hand, chemical sterilants are also used to kill spores through the application of specific chemicals.

Autoclaving: A Common Physical Method

Autoclaving is one of the most common physical methods of sterilization. It uses pressurized steam to achieve high temperatures that can effectively kill microorganisms, including resilient endospores.

Choosing the Right Method

The choice of sterilization method depends on various factors, such as the nature of the item being sterilized and the environment in which the sterilization process is taking place. For some items, autoclaving may be the most appropriate method, while chemical sterilants may be more suitable for others.