Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which term means "without infection"?

1. Asepsis

2. Septic

3. Disinfectant

4. Antibiotic

The correct answer is: Asepsis

The term that means "without infection" is asepsis. Asepsis refers to a state in which pathogens are absent, thereby preventing infection. This concept is crucial in medical and laboratory settings to ensure that procedures, environments, and equipment remain free of harmful microorganisms. Aseptic techniques are practiced to maintain this state, particularly in surgical environments or during the handling of cultures and samples in laboratories. In contrast, septic refers to the presence of infection or decay, often indicating the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Disinfectants are agents used to eliminate or reduce harmful microorganisms on surfaces or objects but do not refer directly to the absence of infection. Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria and are used to treat infections but do not imply an environment or state that is free from infection. Thus, asepsis is the most accurate term to describe the condition of being without infection.