What is the procedure to destroy all bacteria?

• A. Sterilization
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sanitization
• D. Antisepsis

Answer: (A)

Destroying all bacteria requires sterilization, the highest level of microbial control. Sterilization means no living microorganisms remain on an inanimate object, including resistant bacterial spores. In practice this is achieved with validated methods such as autoclaving (steam under pressure), dry heat, chemical sterilants, or gas sterilization, chosen based on what the item can safely tolerate. Disinfection lowers or eliminates many pathogens but may not kill spores, so it doesn’t achieve true sterility. Sanitization reduces overall microbial loads to safe levels without guaranteeing complete elimination. Antisepsis is applying antimicrobial agents to living tissue to prevent infection, not for instruments or surfaces. So, to destroy all bacteria, sterilization is the required procedure.