Decontamination vs disinfection

Decontamination – a process that eliminates viable bioburden via use of chemical agents.

Disinfection – The process by which surface bioburden is reduced to a safe level or eliminated. Some disinfection agents are effective only against vegetative microbes, while others possess additional capability to effectively kill bacterial and fungal spores.

Depyrogenation – A process used to destroy or remove pyrogens (e.g. endotoxin).