What term means 'free of all microorganisms'?

• A. Sterilization
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sanitation
• D. Preservation

Answer: (A)

Sterilization is the process that means something is free of all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their spores. That comprehensive level of microbial destruction is what sets sterilization apart from other terms. Disinfection also aims to reduce microbes, but it does not guarantee the elimination of all microorganisms or spores, so it’s not considered complete sterilization. Sanitation focuses on cleaning to lower overall microbial counts to safe levels, which is broader and less absolute than sterilization. Preservation is about slowing or preventing microbial growth to extend shelf life, not about eradicating microbes. So when the goal is truly to be free of all microorganisms, sterilization is the correct concept.