Intermediate
Technical
IVT
high-level disinfection
Chemical or thermal process that destroys vegetative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some bacterial spores.
Full Definition
High-level disinfection (HLD) is a reprocessing method that achieves a significant reduction in microbial load, including destruction of vegetative bacteria, most viruses, fungi, and some bacterial spores. This process is primarily used for semi-critical devices that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but do not penetrate sterile tissue. HLD can be achieved through chemical disinfectants like glutaraldehyde or automated systems using heat and chemicals. The process requires specific contact times, temperatures, and concentrations to ensure efficacy.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate; distinguish from sterilization in documentation.
In Context
- "The endoscope required high-level disinfection between each patient use." — Clinical procedure manual
- "Documentation confirmed proper high-level disinfection contact time and temperature parameters." — Quality assurance review
Also known as
HLD
Contrasted with
low-level disinfection
intermediate-level disinfection
Don't confuse with
sterilization
intermediate-level disinfection