Disinfection is the process of eliminating almost all known pathogenic microorganisms, although not necessarily all forms of microbes. Decontamination, on the other hand, is the procedure used to remove contamination and make an area, device, item, or material safe to handle, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. Sterilization, whether through physical or chemical means, is the act of destroying or eliminating all forms of life.

Numerous factors influence the effectiveness of decontamination procedures. These factors encompass the type of organism being targeted, the specific chemical being used, the concentration of said chemical, the duration of contact, the surface characteristics, the amount of organic material present, water hardness, temperature, and various product-related factors. Consequently, it is important to recognize that alcohol may not be effective against all types of microorganisms in every situation.

The autoclave must effectively sterilize all items within the load. A standard cycle of 121°C for 15 minutes may not be appropriate for every type of load or situation. The most reliable method to confirm sterilization is by validating the process using biological indicators.