Which is the lowest level of decontamination?

Sanitizing is recognized as the lowest level of decontamination. This process reduces the number of microorganisms on surface areas to a safe level, as deemed by public health standards. It's important to understand that sanitizing is not aimed at eliminating all pathogens, but rather at lowering them to prevent transmission and maintain health and safety standards.

In comparison, disinfecting goes a step further by using specific chemicals to eliminate a broader spectrum of pathogens, though it may not achieve the complete absence of all microorganisms. Sterilizing represents the highest level of decontamination, aiming to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. Cleaning, while essential, focuses on the physical removal of dirt, debris, and organic matter but does not necessarily reduce pathogens to safe levels. This hierarchy of decontamination methods clarifies why sanitizing is recognized as the foundational step in infection control.