Which term refers to the complete removal or destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores?

• A. Antisepsis
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sterilization
• D. Sanitization

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of each term related to microbial control: Antisepsis, Disinfection, Sterilization, and Sanitization.
2. Antisepsis refers to the process of reducing or inhibiting microbial growth on living tissues, such as skin, but does not guarantee the destruction of all microbes or spores.
3. Disinfection involves the elimination of many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, but it may not destroy bacterial spores completely.
4. Sterilization is the process that ensures the complete removal or destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, making it the most thorough method.
5. Sanitization reduces microbial numbers to safe levels as judged by public health standards, but it does not guarantee complete destruction of all microbes or spores.