What is the purpose of disinfection?

The purpose of disinfection is to destroy pathogens using chemicals. Disinfection is a critical process in infection control, particularly in medical and clinical settings, where it is vital to reduce the risk of spreading infections. This process involves the use of chemical agents that can eliminate or significantly reduce the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, on surfaces and instruments without necessarily achieving complete sterility.

Complete sterility, which is the total elimination of all forms of microbial life, is a different process known as sterilization. While disinfection effectively targets pathogens, it does not guarantee the removal of all spores or resistant organisms. Removing visible contaminants is primarily associated with cleaning, which usually precedes disinfection; cleaning involves physically removing dirt and debris. Additionally, preparing instruments for use involves both cleaning and disinfection but does not solely define the purpose of disinfection itself. Hence, destroying pathogens with chemicals captures the essence of why disinfection is utilized in healthcare practices.