Title: Explain the difference between terminal cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.
Course: Surgical Technologist I (14056-I) > Section: Understanding Principles of Asepsis

Explanation should include the concepts that

- terminal cleaning eliminates only disease-causing organisms
- disinfection is the chemical reduction of the number of microorganisms
- sterilization eliminates all organisms, including spores.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are spores? What harm can they cause in the operating room?
- What is the difference between the techniques and products used to sterilize vs. the techniques and products used for terminal cleaning?
- When is only terminal cleaning needed? When is sterilization essential? Why?
- What is an example of new technology (i.e., robotics) in cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?