Sterilization is the ONLY type of cleaning that will kill which?

Sterilization is the ONLY type of cleaning that will kill which?

• A. Bacterial spores
• B. Viruses
• C. Fungi
• D. All bacteria

Answer: (A)

Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination and is required to destroy all forms of life, including the most resistant ones—bacterial spores. Bacterial spores can survive many disinfection methods, so only sterilization—such as high-heat, high-pressure steam in an autoclave—guarantees their destruction. Viruses, fungi, and non-spore-forming bacteria can be killed by appropriate disinfectants or sanitizers, but they’re not reliably killed if spores are present. Therefore, the process that kills bacterial spores is sterilization.

Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination and is required to destroy all forms of life, including the most resistant ones—bacterial spores. Bacterial spores can survive many disinfection methods, so only sterilization—such as high-heat, high-pressure steam in an autoclave—guarantees their destruction. Viruses, fungi, and non-spore-forming bacteria can be killed by appropriate disinfectants or sanitizers, but they’re not reliably killed if spores are present. Therefore, the process that kills bacterial spores is sterilization.