The Process of Killing or Removing All of the Microorganisms

Question

The process of killing or removing all of the microorganisms in or on a material is called
A) sterilization.
B) disinfection.
C) sanitation.
D) antisepsis.
E) degerming.

Accepted Answer

Sterilization is the only choice that specifically refers to the complete elimination of microorganisms, whereas disinfection, sanitation, and degerming may only reduce their numbers. Antisepsis refers to the elimination of microorganisms from living tissue, not materials.