Define and classify sterilization.

Sterilization : 

Sterilization is the process by which all viable microorganisms including spores are killed or eliminated.

Classification of sterilization : 

1. Physical 
2. Chemical 
3. Filtration 

A.Physical method : 

1. Heat
   • High Heat
     • Dry Heat
       • Hot air oven 
       • Incineration
     • Moist Heat
       • Boiling
       • Steaming
         • With Pressure
           • Autoclave
         • Without Pressure
           • Tyndallization
           • Koch’s Steamer
       • Pasteurization
         • Holding Method
         • Flash Method
   • Low Heat
     • Water Bath
     • Vaccine Bath
2. Radiation
   • X-ray
   • Gamma ray
   • UV ray

B.Chemical method : 

1. Alcohols
2. Phenols.
3. Ethylene oxide
4. Detergents
5. Dettol
6. Acids and alkalis
7. Formaldehyde
8. Glutaraldehyde
9. Oxidizing agents

C.Filtration method : 

1. Bark field
2. Chamber land
3. Membrane filter
4. Hepa filter