Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

What best describes sterilization?

1. Destruction of all micro-organisms including spores

2. Accomplished by using soap and water

3. Used routinely to clean equipment

4. Used to make autopsy samples non-infectious before processing

The correct answer is: Destruction of all micro-organisms including spores

Sterilization is best described as the destruction of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, which are among the most resilient forms of life. This process ensures that any potential pathogen is eliminated, making it critical in settings where contamination must be avoided, such as in surgical environments or the preparation of sterile instruments. Achieving true sterilization requires specific methods like autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical agents capable of inactivating these resistant spores, beyond the capabilities of cleaning agents like soap and water. While other practices might contribute to maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in a laboratory or healthcare setting, they do not meet the rigorous standard of sterilization. For instance, simply using soap and water effectively cleans surfaces but does not necessarily achieve sterilization. Similarly, cleaning equipment routinely may involve disinfection rather than sterilization. Lastly, although making autopsy samples non-infectious is an important safety measure, it typically pertains to decontamination or disinfection rather than the more stringent process defined by sterilization. Thus, the correct understanding of sterilization is integral to ensuring safety and preventing infection in clinical and laboratory practices.