Which level of decontamination is considered the lowest during the infection control process?

Sanitation is considered the lowest level of decontamination in the infection control process. It involves the removal of dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces. The main goal of sanitation is to reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level as determined by public health standards, making surfaces cleaner and safer for use. This process is often what is utilized for everyday cleaner applications and can involve the use of soap and water or other cleaning agents that help to eliminate visible impurities.

Disinfection, which is a higher level of decontamination than sanitation, involves the use of chemical agents to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms on surfaces. This process is more effective at reducing the number of pathogens compared to sanitation.

Sterilization represents the highest level of decontamination, where all forms of microbial life, including spores, are destroyed. This is typically accomplished through methods such as autoclaving or using certain chemical agents.

Purification is not a standard term used in the context of decontamination levels in infection control and can refer more broadly to the process of making something free from contaminants, but it is not classified as a level of decontamination like sanitation, disinfection, or sterilization. Therefore, sanitation is the foundational level in infection control, focusing