Does sterilization equate to killing all pathogens?

Sterilization is defined as the process that effectively kills or removes all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from an object or surface. The goal of sterilization is to achieve an absolute level of cleanliness where no viable pathogens remain. This is particularly crucial in healthcare settings where the risk of infection needs to be minimized, such as in dental practices.

In the context of dental radiography and other healthcare practices, understanding sterilization is vital as it ensures that all instruments used are free from any living pathogens that could lead to infection. The process can involve methods such as autoclaving, which uses steam and pressure, or chemical sterilants, which can achieve this absolute destruction of pathogens.

Other options provided in the question do not accurately reflect the nature and purpose of sterilization. They imply a lack of completeness or a reduction rather than the total eradication that sterilization aims to achieve. Therefore, acknowledging that sterilization kills all pathogens correctly captures the essence of what sterilization entails in infection control practices.