What is the term for the process of eliminating or reducing pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces?

The correct answer is disinfection. Disinfection refers specifically to the process of eliminating or reducing pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces. This is essential in healthcare and other settings to prevent the spread of infections, as it ensures that harmful pathogens are sufficiently destroyed or rendered inactive.

Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents or physical means such as heat to kill or inactivate microbes. It is important to note that disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant spores, but it significantly reduces the number of pathogens to a level that is considered safe.

Other related terms, while they may seem similar, have different meanings. Sanitization typically refers to reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level as determined by public health standards, but it may not necessarily eliminate all pathogens as effectively as disinfection. Sterilization is the complete eradication of all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is more extreme than disinfection. Decontamination is a broader term that encompasses any process that reduces or removes contamination, but it does not specifically imply the effectiveness of killing pathogens as disinfection does.