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

Methods of Sterilization

Physical method:

->Heat:-

1. low temperature.  e.g – vaccine bath,  serum inspition
2. high temperature. e.g

• dry heat:- eg – hot air oven , flaming

• moist heat . e.g – boiling

->Steaming :-

With pressure , e.g – autoclave

Without pressure . e.g – Arnolds

->Pasteurization :- holding methods , flash methods

->Radiation

X-ray , Gamma- ray , UV- ray , Red- ray

Chemical methods :-

Alcohol , phenol , Detergent , Halogen , Oxidizing agent , Ethylene oxide