Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CBIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What is the definition of sterilization in the context of infection control?

The process that reduces microbial life

The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores

Sterilization, in the context of infection control, is defined as the process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores. This distinction is crucial in infection control practices, as it ensures that no viable microorganisms remain on the object or surface being treated.

Other methods of microbial control, such as disinfection, may only reduce the number of pathogens but do not achieve complete elimination, especially of resilient bacterial spores. This means that while disinfection is effective for cleaning surfaces and reducing the risk of infection, it does not reach the thorough level of assurance provided by sterilization.

Thus, recognizing the full breadth of what sterilization entails—complete eradication of all forms of microbial life—is fundamental to infection control protocols, particularly in healthcare settings where the risk of transmission of infections must be minimized to protect patients and staff alike.

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The process that disinfects surfaces

The process that eliminates bacteria only

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