What is the purpose of chemical disinfection?

Chemical disinfection is specifically designed to neutralize or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on a surface or instrument. This process aims to reduce the number of pathogens to a safe level but does not necessarily eliminate all forms of microbial life, which is the goal of sterilization.

The focus of chemical disinfection is often on creating a safer environment in healthcare settings by targeting bacteria, viruses, and fungi that could lead to infections. By using appropriate chemical agents, the disinfection process ensures that surfaces and instruments are effectively treated, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection.

In contrast, scrubbing instruments with detergent is a cleaning process rather than disinfection, while completely sterilizing instruments involves a more rigorous process that goes beyond disinfection to eliminate all forms of microbial life. The removal of visible dirt, while important for hygiene, does not address the presence of harmful microorganisms and is thus separate from the purpose of chemical disinfection.