Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

What term describes the process of destroying all microbial life, including resistant bacterial endospores?

1. Disinfection

2. Sterilization

3. Cleansing

4. Antisepsis

The correct answer is: Sterilization

The term that refers to the process of destroying all microbial life, including resistant bacterial endospores, is sterilization. This process aims to achieve complete elimination of all forms of microorganisms, which not only include bacteria but also viruses, fungi, and their spores. Sterilization is critical in various settings, especially in healthcare and laboratory environments, where the presence of any microbes can pose significant risks. Disinfection, on the other hand, reduces the number of viable microorganisms on surfaces or objects but does not guarantee the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, particularly resistant spores. Cleansing typically refers to the physical removal of dirt and impurities, and while it may reduce microbial load, it does not imply a complete destruction. Antisepsis involves using chemical agents to eliminate or inhibit the growth of pathogens on living tissues but, similar to disinfection, does not achieve complete sterility. Hence, in the context of microbial control, sterilization is the only process that assures the total elimination of microorganisms, making it the correct term for this specific process.