This document discusses sterilization and disinfection in a medical laboratory setting. It defines sterilization as the destruction of all microorganisms using physical means like heat or radiation, or chemical agents. The main purposes of sterilization are to prepare specimens and materials, sterilize contaminated items, and prepare apparatus for cultures. Methods of sterilization include physical methods like dry heat, moist heat, and radiation. Specific techniques covered are hot air ovens, flaming, boiling water, and autoclaving which uses high temperature steam under pressure to kill all microbes including spores.