During the infection control process, which level of decontamination completely destroys all organisms?

Sterilization is the process that completely destroys all organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on a surface or in an object. This is achieved through methods such as autoclaving, which uses steam under pressure, or chemical sterilants, which are effective against all forms of microbial life.

In the context of infection control, achieving sterilization is crucial in settings where absolute cleanliness is necessary, such as in surgical instruments or tools used for invasive procedures. This level of decontamination ensures that any potential pathogens are eliminated, significantly reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Other levels of decontamination, such as sanitation and disinfection, do not achieve the same comprehensive level of organism destruction. Sanitation typically reduces the number of organisms to a safe level according to public health standards, while disinfection eliminates most pathogens but may not destroy all microbial life, particularly resistant spores. Pest control, while important in managing insects and pests that could carry disease, is unrelated to microbial decontamination processes. Thus, sterilization is the only method that guarantees complete destruction of all organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.