Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms but is expected to kill most pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi that might lead to infections. Sterilization, on the other hand, is a more stringent process aimed at destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores. Sanitization typically reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level as judged by public health standards, but may not eliminate pathogens as effectively as disinfection. Cleaning removes visible dirt and organic matter, but does not necessarily eliminate microorganisms. Understanding these distinctions is critical in a healthcare environment to ensure appropriate infection control measures are taken.