A process or treatment that renders a medical device, instrument, or environmental surface safe to handle. According to OSHA, the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal [29 CFR 1910.1030]. (Centers for Disease Control, 2018)
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