What does it mean to be "bacteriostatic" or "bacteriocidal" or "antiseptic"
"antibacterial" or "antifungal"?  We have a tendency to use a lot of terms
interchangeably which are really not the same thing.
The term "sterilization" refers to the absence of all organisms - the good
guys as well as the bad guys.  Washing (even in a dishwasher) does not
achieve "sterilization."  Gas sterilization or boiling comes closer if the
goal is really "sterilization."  In my opinion, mothers should not be given
the impression that a dishwasher will "sterilize" anything. Sterile
technique would also require using sterile gloves to touch the pump parts
afterwards in order to maintain "sterility".

Using normal cleaning methods for pump parts,  the best we get is "clean",
"sanitized", "pathogen-reduced" "antiseptic" ............... well,
anyway......
For premie babies, or those who are immunocompromised,  it may be a good
thing to boil or gas sterilize.  What do you think, Jennifer, Nancy, Jack?
Or any other microbiologists or docs on the list.
Deanne,  BsN   IBCLC
NICU

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