What is sterilization?

• A. Complete elimination of microorganisms including spores by heat or ethylene oxide
• B. Free of germs and spores
• C. Degree of microbial contamination
• D. Uses liquid chemicals to kill many bacteria on animate surfaces

Answer: (A)

Sterilization means making something completely free of all viable microorganisms, including the highly resistant spores. It uses validated methods such as heat (like steam under pressure in an autoclave or dry heat) or chemical sterilants (for example, ethylene oxide). This is tougher than disinfection or sanitization, which only reduce the number of microbes to safe levels or kill non-spore-forming organisms. Saying something is “free of germs and spores” is close, but sterilization requires a proven process that guarantees no viable microbes remain, not just a general cleanliness. The other descriptions focus on reduction of contamination or killing many bacteria, which is disinfection or sanitization rather than true sterilization.