What is the correct term for the procedure used to inhibit the growth of or ideally kill bacteria and fungi in the clinical environment?

The procedure used to inhibit the growth of or ideally kill bacteria and fungi in the clinical environment is termed disinfection. Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents to reduce or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces and instruments to a level that is considered safe for handling. This is particularly important in a clinical setting where preventing infection is crucial.

While cleaning refers to the physical removal of dirt, debris, and some microorganisms from surfaces, it does not necessarily kill them. Decontamination is a broader term that encompasses cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization processes, but it does not specifically indicate the killing of pathogens. Sterilization, on the other hand, is the process of completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, which makes it a more extreme and thorough method than disinfection. Therefore, disinfection specifically focuses on the reduction of harmful microorganisms to safe levels, making it the most appropriate term for the procedure described.