∞ generated and posted on 2016.01.29 ∞
Various means of inhibiting the growth and particularly the killing of microorganisms, typically other than via the use of heat.
Particularly chemicals that are disinfecting are describe as disinfectants though the terms germicide, virucide, fungicide, etc., can also be used, depending upon circumstances. Physical agents such as nonionizing radiation too can disinfect. Contrast sterilization or sterilant.
Specific disinfecting agents include alcohols, biguanides, halogens, heavy metals, iodophors, phenolics, peroxygens, and quaternary ammonium compounds.
The following is a list of terms and concepts associated with disinfection along with sterilization:
Alcohols, Aldehydes, Antiseptic, Asepsis, Autoclave, Bacteriostasis, Biguanides, Biocide, Chemical sterilization, Commercial sterilization, Decimal reduction time (DRT or D value), Degerm, Desiccation, Disinfectant, Disinfection, Disk-diffusion method, Equivalent treatment, Filtration, Flaming, Germicide, Halogens, Heavy metals, High-efficiency particular air filters (HEPA), Ultra-high-temperature short-time Pasteurization (HTST Pasteurization), Hot-air sterilization, Iodophors, Ionizing radiation, Membrane filter, Nonionizing radiation, Pasteurization, Peroxygens, Phenol, Phenolics, Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats), Sanitization, Sepsis (general term), Soap, Sterilant, Sterile, Sterilization, Surfactant, Thermal death point (TDP), Thermoduric, Tincture, Use-dilution test