What process achieves total destruction of all microorganisms?

The process that achieves total destruction of all microorganisms is sterilization. This method is essential in the healthcare setting, particularly in situations where the prevention of infection is paramount. Sterilization can be accomplished through various means, such as steam under pressure (autoclaving), ethylene oxide gas, or by using ionizing radiation.

Unlike disinfection, which reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms but does not eliminate all spores, and sanitization, which reduces the microbial load to safe levels for public health standards, sterilization guarantees the complete eradication of all living microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their spores. Decontamination typically refers to the cleaning of items to remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms to a safe level but does not ensure total destruction as sterilization does. Therefore, sterilization is the definitive process required when complete microbiological eradication is necessary.