International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What does sterilization achieve in infection control?

1. It reduces the number of germs on a surface

2. It eliminates all germs, including endospores

3. It makes instruments safe for one-time use

4. It prepares instruments for cleaning

The correct answer is: It eliminates all germs, including endospores

Sterilization is a critical process in infection control that is specifically designed to eliminate all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and particularly resilient forms such as endospores. Endospores are dormant and highly resistant structures formed by certain bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions, making them challenging to eradicate. The effectiveness of sterilization ensures that any item or surface treated undergoes a complete destruction of all microbial life, thereby significantly minimizing the risk of infection. Choosing this option underscores the importance of sterilization in settings like hospitals, laboratories, and dental clinics, where the presence of any viable microorganisms can lead to serious infections. The reliability of sterilization methods—such as autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical sterilants—is crucial in providing a safe environment for procedures that require absolute cleanliness.