Sterilization is defined as which of the following?

• A. Kills most pathogens.
• B. Kills all organisms.
• C. Kills all microorganisms except spores.
• D. Removes debris.

Answer: (B)

Sterilization means completely eliminating all viable microorganisms, including spores, from an object or surface. This level of destruction is what sets sterilization apart from other decontamination processes, because spores are highly resistant and must be destroyed to achieve true sterility. The statement that sterilization kills all organisms is the best description because it captures the goal of removing every form of microbial life, not just most pathogens. Killing most pathogens describes disinfection, which does not guarantee the elimination of all life forms. Kills all microorganisms except spores would be incomplete, since spores are included in the targets of sterilization. Removing debris describes cleaning, not sterilization.