Which term means free of all living microorganisms and bacterial spores?

• A. Sterile
• B. Contaminated
• C. Aseptic
• D. Clean

Answer: (A)

Sterile means completely free of all living microorganisms and bacterial spores. In medical settings, this absolute state is achieved through sterilization methods such as steam autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical sterilants, ensuring instruments, solutions, and environments used for invasive procedures cannot introduce infections. Clean, by contrast, just means free of visible dirt, not necessarily free of microorganisms. Aseptic describes practices and conditions designed to prevent contamination, but it does not guarantee that every item is completely devoid of microbes. Contaminated means microbes are present. So, the term that best describes being free of all living microorganisms and spores is sterile.