Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What is the cleansing process that removes organic material and reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level?

1. Disinfection

2. Germicide

3. Sanitization

4. Sterilization

The correct answer is: Sanitization

The cleansing process that effectively removes organic material and reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level is known as sanitization. Sanitization aims to lower the number of bacteria to levels considered acceptable for public health, particularly in environments like hospitals, kitchens, and other places where cleanliness is critical. Sanitization typically involves cleaning surfaces thoroughly to eliminate dirt and organic matter, followed by the application of a chemical agent that further reduces the microbial load. It does not completely eradicate all microorganisms, which distinguishes it from processes like sterilization that aim for total microbial destruction. Disinfection focuses on killing bacteria and viruses on surfaces but may not address the physical removal of organic material as comprehensively as sanitization does. Germicides are agents used to kill germs but do not specifically refer to the overall process of cleaning and reducing bacteria. Sterilization is the most comprehensive method that destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is not merely about reducing microorganisms to safe levels. Thus, sanitization is the most appropriate term for this particular cleansing process.