Incineration is an effective means of decontamination. It is advantageous as a means of disposal of varying forms of potentially infectious waste. Vapor or Gas sterilization is used primarily for the sterilization of Biological Safety Cabinets, bulky equipment unsuitable for disinfection, and instruments or instrument optics that may be damaged by other forms of decontamination. There are many types of vapors that may be employed in this type of sterilization. At present, this form of sterilization is not used at the University of Memphis.
Radiation is used for inactivation of microorganisms.
The most common form of this type of sterilization is the use of UV radiation. This form is not as efficacious in a laboratory setting because of low penetrability. If it is to be used, proper shielding should be used in conjunction with it. Frequent cleaning and monitoring should be accomplished to ensure safety and efficacy. In most cases, disinfection will be the method of decontamination most often used.