What is sterilization? Purpose, methods, procedure description

Basically this term is heard by the owners of domestic animals, who care about the fate of their pets. But in general, medical sterilization is the same for all living things. This is an operation, during which the complete destruction of microorganisms with the help of special items. In simple terms, sterilization implies the process of purification and neutralization of the instrument for the purpose of further action. If you just want to put medical cans on your child, then all used devices must be sterilized.

On philistine examples

So, what is sterilization? This is a medical procedure, which implies the complete destruction of microorganisms, as well as their vegetative forms. In the course of work, medical instruments and disinfectants are used.

Sterilization is necessary when treating the wound, both large and small, when carrying out any medical operations, starting from the same cans and mustard plasters and ending with injections. Also, sterilization is needed for all items that are in contact with the wound, contaminated with blood or medicines. In the process of sterilization, the result is the death of vegetative, spore pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in the sterilizing material. Gradually, complete assurance is achieved, that is, the slightest signs of life on the site disappear.

What is this all for?

Having understood what sterilization is, I want to know why it is still needed. Here we must take into account the fact that the term is comprehensive, and therefore the testimony to this may be different. Let us analyze the purpose of sterilization. This is a procedure used in medicine, microbiology, gnotobiology, as well as the food industry and many other areas. In fact, this is the basis of asepsis, which is of great importance in the fight against hospital infection, as well as in postoperative prevention of purulent inflammation. After surgery, a person is very weak. It becomes a delicious food for hordes of germs and pathogens. Therefore, medicine knows of cases of hepatitis B infection or HIV infection after surgery. To avoid such a sterilization perspective, all tools, drains, and dressings are used. If during the operation of the mucous membrane the instruments or instruments that can cause damage to the mucosa touch, they must also be treated. Moreover, the air in the operating room is disinfected, the hands of the doctor and nurses.

We analyze the process

Methods of sterilization can be divided into physical and chemical. The first group includes steam, air, radiation and ultrasonic method. But chemical sterilization can be gas or produced by solutions of chemical preparations. Each of the methods is relevant in its own way, and they need to be applied only based on the recommendations of specialists. Of course, most of the methods can not be used at home.

The most popular air method of sterilization, carried out in a dry-fire cabinet. It is recommended for dry products made of metal, glass and rubber. The process is carried out either on special machines or in open containers. By temperature and time, two modes of air sterilization are distinguished. In the first case, it takes an hour and 180 degrees Celsius. The second option is longer - 150 minutes at 160 degrees. The objects of sterilization must be provided with a free air supply. Sterilization at high temperatures is called thermal, and at a temperature below 100 degrees it is cold.

Species Features

The technical complexity of radiation and ultrasonic sterilization is so complex that the amateur can not master it. Therefore it is very fortunate that there are many of these methods. The ideal method will not cause distortions, external and qualitative changes. In chemical sterilization, the product does not become toxic, but other things being equal, thermal methods are often the priority. In everyday life, an ordinary person will not be able to carry out a complex process, but fortunately, we do not have to conduct operations or sew wounds in the field. The maximum of our capabilities is to handle the cut, remove glass shards or foreign garbage from the wound, disinfect the wound. Most often for such actions we use alcohol solution, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. The main thing here is not to overdo it and do not dare to pour open wound or mucous with such a means, otherwise the fountain of pain will block all rational thoughts.

In the animal world

And what is sterilization regarding our pets? This is also a kind of neutralization and destruction of microorganisms, only not with a soulless instrument. This is an operative intervention in the reproductive function of animals. The result will be a pet's loss of ability to reproduce. The operation is very specific, and it is carried out by a qualified specialist. Only a competent approach allows avoiding complications, especially when it comes to females. In the case of them, a full-fledged cavity operation is performed, which has its consequences and requires the care of the animal in the postoperative period.

For homeless animals, surgery is not only a way to regulate numbers, but also the ability to avoid a variety of different diseases. The meaning of the term "sterilization" becomes clear to the owners only after a fruitful consultation with the veterinarian. This operation allows eliminating hormonal failures, aggression and various diseases of the genitourinary system. Sterilization allows prolonging the life of the pet.

Pros and cons

In a conversation about what sterilization is for animals, it remains only to weigh all the pros and cons to determine the solution. The positive aspects of this procedure are obvious - improving the health of the pet, prolonging its life span, reducing the risk of various diseases including cancer tumors, endometritis, pyometra, cysts. But there are also disadvantages, which include the need for anesthesia for surgery, possible complications. Doctors are advised to do sterilization for the health of the pet, and for their own peace of mind for it. If, for example, your dog has reached eight years, sterilization will save it from oncology, the risk of which grows seriously over the years.