What is high-level disinfection also known as?

High-level disinfection is often referred to as cold sterilization. This term indicates a process that effectively eliminates all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but does not necessarily kill all spores, which are resistant forms of bacteria. Cold sterilization typically uses chemical agents to achieve this level of disinfection, contrasting with methods that use heat or steam.

This method is important in environments such as medical facilities and esthetic services, where high standards of cleanliness and safety are crucial. Understanding high-level disinfection as cold sterilization helps practitioners recognize its significance in preventing infections and ensuring client safety during treatments.