Which term means "free of germs and spores"?

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Multiple Choice

Which term means "free of germs and spores"?

In infection control, sterile means free from all living microorganisms, including germs and spores. Sterility is achieved through sterilization methods that kill or inactivate every form of microbial life, such as steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical sterilants, or irradiation. This is different from disinfection, which lowers or eliminates many pathogens but may not remove all microorganisms or spores. Contaminated describes items that carry germs, while bioburden refers to the amount of microorganisms present on an item before sterilization. Because spores are highly resistant, true sterilization aims to leave no viable microbes. Therefore, the term that means free of germs and spores is sterile.

In infection control, sterile means free from all living microorganisms, including germs and spores. Sterility is achieved through sterilization methods that kill or inactivate every form of microbial life, such as steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical sterilants, or irradiation. This is different from disinfection, which lowers or eliminates many pathogens but may not remove all microorganisms or spores. Contaminated describes items that carry germs, while bioburden refers to the amount of microorganisms present on an item before sterilization. Because spores are highly resistant, true sterilization aims to leave no viable microbes. Therefore, the term that means free of germs and spores is sterile.

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