What is the primary goal of sterilization?

The primary goal of sterilization is to kill all microorganisms on an object. This process is crucial in medical and healthcare settings as it ensures that instruments and surfaces are completely free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, which are often resistant to disinfectants. By achieving complete sterility, the risk of infection during medical procedures is significantly reduced, making it essential for maintaining patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections.

While cleaning surfaces of visible dirt is important in maintaining hygiene, it does not ensure that microorganisms are eliminated. Disinfection, which is less comprehensive than sterilization, reduces the number of pathogens but does not necessarily kill all microorganisms. Preservation of objects from deterioration pertains to maintaining their physical condition rather than eliminating pathogens, so it is not related to the goal of sterilization.