What is the process of removing dangerous or infectious materials called?

The process of removing dangerous or infectious materials is known as decontamination. This procedure is essential in healthcare settings, particularly in hospitals like Memorial Hermann, as it aims to eliminate pathogens and hazardous substances from surfaces or materials to prevent the spread of infections or exposure to harmful agents.

Decontamination typically involves three key steps: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. It is implemented in various scenarios, including after handling biohazardous waste or when treating patients with contagious diseases. The goal is to ensure safety for both healthcare providers and patients, thereby maintaining a controlled and sterile environment.

While disinfection, sanitization, and segregation are related to infection control and hygiene practices, they serve different purposes. Disinfection specifically refers to the removal of microorganisms from surfaces, typically with the use of chemical agents, but does not necessarily remove all harmful substances. Sanitization reduces the number of germs to a safe level as set by public health standards. Segregation involves separating contaminated materials from non-contaminated ones to prevent cross-contamination but does not address the cleaning or removal of infectious materials. Thus, decontamination encompasses a broader range of practices focused on overall safety and cleanliness.