New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What level of sanitation is required to kill all microorganisms, including bacteria?

1. Sanitization

2. Disinfection

3. Sterilization

4. Cleaning

The correct answer is: Sterilization

Sterilization is the process required to kill all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This level of sanitation ensures that any surface or instrument is completely free of all living microorganisms. Techniques used in sterilization include autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical sterilants, which are effective in achieving this high standard of cleanliness. Sanitization, on the other hand, reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level but does not eliminate all pathogens. Disinfection kills most bacteria and viruses, but not necessarily all spores or resistant strains. Cleaning simply involves the removal of dirt, debris, and some microorganisms but does not ensure that all pathogens are killed. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the understanding that only sterilization guarantees the complete eradication of all forms of microbial life.