Terminology of Microbial Control

Question 1

Destruction or removal of all forms of microbial life, including endospores but with the possible exception of prions.

Answer 1

Sterilization

Question 2

Sufficient heat treatment to kill endospores of Clostridium botulinum in canned food.

Answer 2

Commercial Sterilization

Question 3

Destruction of vegetative pathogens on inanimate objects.

Answer 3

Disinfection

Question 4

Destruction of vegetative pathogens on living tissue.

Answer 4

Antisepsis

Question 5

Removal of microbes from a limited area, such as the skin around an injection site.

Answer 5

Degerming

Question 6

Treatment is intended to lower microbial counts on eating and drinking utensils to safe public health levels.

Answer 6

Sanitization