In laboratory settings, the term “contaminated” generally refers to having an actual or potential presence of a pathogen.
The terms “decontamination” and “disinfection” are similar. Both describe the use of a physical (e.g. thermal) or chemical (e.g. application of disinfectant) process that removes, reduces, inactivates, or destroys most pathogens from objects or surfaces, rendering them safe to handle, use, or discard.
Decontamination typically refers to application on equipment or tools, whereas disinfection is mainly referred to use on surfaces.
Disinfection is less lethal than sterilization because it eliminates virtually all pathogens on inanimate objects, but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g. bacterial spores).
Sterilization is the use of a physical or chemical process to kill all microorganisms, including spores. It is typically accomplished in clinical labs with heat and steam through autoclaving.
Disinfection and sterilization are both decontamination processes.
EPA-approved disinfectants are regularly used in laboratories to decontaminate work surfaces and equipment. They are used after the completion of work with potentially infectious material and after any potential spill, splash or other contamination occurrence.
