differentiate from STERILIZATION: DISINFECTION renders matter free of pathogens, STERILIZATION destroys all microbes; if in doubt, use the word of the text; disinfection of needles using household bleach Clorox, as by intravenous drug users, is indexed under DISINFECTION + NEEDLES + SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE

Rendering pathogens harmless through the use of heat, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, etc.

91(75)63-66; was see under STERILIZATION 1967-90; was heading 1963-66