Which term means "soiled or infected with microorganisms"?

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Multiple Choice

Which term means "soiled or infected with microorganisms"?

Explanation:
The idea is about describing whether something carries microorganisms. The term that fits “soiled or infected with microorganisms” is contaminated. Sterile means completely free of viable microorganisms, so it describes the opposite. Bioburden refers to how many microorganisms are present on an item before any cleaning or sterilization, not the current state of being dirty. Sterilization is the process used to destroy all forms of life, including spores. For example, water can be contaminated if it contains bacteria, whereas sterile water has no living microorganisms.

The idea is about describing whether something carries microorganisms. The term that fits “soiled or infected with microorganisms” is contaminated. Sterile means completely free of viable microorganisms, so it describes the opposite. Bioburden refers to how many microorganisms are present on an item before any cleaning or sterilization, not the current state of being dirty. Sterilization is the process used to destroy all forms of life, including spores. For example, water can be contaminated if it contains bacteria, whereas sterile water has no living microorganisms.

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