What is the main difference between disinfection and sterilization?

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Q: What is the main difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Solution: Sterilization kills all microbes, while disinfection reduces the number of viable organisms but may not eliminate all.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that both disinfection and sterilization are methods used to kill or reduce microbes.
Step 2: Know that sterilization means killing all types of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Step 3: Learn that disinfection means reducing the number of harmful microbes to a safe level, but it may not kill all of them.
Step 4: Remember that sterilization is used in situations where complete elimination of microbes is necessary, like in surgeries.
Step 5: Recognize that disinfection is often used on surfaces or instruments that do not need to be completely sterile.