Which statement about sterilization is true?

Which statement about sterilization is true?

• A. It removes soil from equipment.
• B. It eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, on an item when properly performed.
• C. It reduces pathogen numbers on surfaces.
• D. It is the same as disinfection.

Answer: (B)

Sterilization means eliminating all living microorganisms, including spores, from an item when performed under validated conditions. When done properly, it ensures no viable microbes remain on the item. This sets sterilization apart from other forms of microbial control. Cleaning removes soil and debris but doesn’t kill microbes. Disinfection reduces the number of pathogens but doesn’t guarantee destruction of all microbes, especially spores. Sterilization is not the same as disinfection because its goal is complete sterility, not just lowering microbial load. Common methods include steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical sterilants, and irradiation, each with specific parameters to achieve sterility. The emphasis on proper performance matters because incorrect procedure, insufficient exposure, or improper conditions can prevent achieving sterility. So, the true statement is that sterilization eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, on an item when properly performed.

Sterilization means eliminating all living microorganisms, including spores, from an item when performed under validated conditions. When done properly, it ensures no viable microbes remain on the item. This sets sterilization apart from other forms of microbial control. Cleaning removes soil and debris but doesn’t kill microbes. Disinfection reduces the number of pathogens but doesn’t guarantee destruction of all microbes, especially spores. Sterilization is not the same as disinfection because its goal is complete sterility, not just lowering microbial load. Common methods include steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical sterilants, and irradiation, each with specific parameters to achieve sterility. The emphasis on proper performance matters because incorrect procedure, insufficient exposure, or improper conditions can prevent achieving sterility. So, the true statement is that sterilization eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, on an item when properly performed.