Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
Which of the following describes the process of asepsis that aims to reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but does not eliminate all spores?
- ASterilization
- BAntisepsis
- CSanitization
- DDisinfection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Disinfection
Disinfection is a process that destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects but does not necessarily kill bacterial spores. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores. Sanitization reduces microbial load to safe public health levels. Antisepsis reduces microorganisms on living tissue.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms, including spores.
- B. Antisepsis refers to reducing microorganisms on living tissue.
- C. Sanitization primarily aims for cleanliness, not necessarily pathogen destruction.
Levels of Asepsis
Different methods employed to reduce or eliminate microorganisms, varying in their effectiveness against spores.
- Sterilization: Kills all microbes, including spores.
- Disinfection: Kills most microbes, not spores.
- Antisepsis: Reduces microbes on living tissue.
Memory trick: Sterilize-All, Disinfect-Most, Antiseptic-Skin, Sanitize-Clean!