Disinfection is defined as the process of destroying pathogens and kills 99.9% of germs.

• A. Lowering microbial counts on eating utensils.
• B. A written consent form
• C. The process of destroying pathogens, kills 99.9% of germs
• D. The complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores

Answer: (C)

Disinfection focuses on destroying pathogens on inanimate surfaces and reducing the number of germs to a level considered safe. The claim about killing about 99.9% of germs reflects the high level of reduction aimed for in disinfection, though it doesn’t guarantee total sterility. It’s different from sanitation, which lowers overall microbial counts toward safety, and from sterilization, which would completely destroy all microorganisms, including spores. The other choices don’t fit because one is unrelated to microbial control (a written consent form), and the other describes sterilization rather than disinfection. So the best description is the process of destroying pathogens and achieving a substantial reduction in germs.