Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Which is stronger, sterilization or disinfection?

1. Sterilization

2. Disinfection

3. Both are equally strong

4. Neither is effective

The correct answer is: Sterilization

Sterilization is considered the stronger method because it involves the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This process usually requires advanced methods such as autoclaving, which uses steam under pressure, or chemical sterilants that can kill all microorganisms. Disinfection, on the other hand, primarily reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms to a level that is not harmful, but it does not eliminate all microbes. It is effective against many germs but may leave behind resistant spores that survive the process. This makes disinfection suitable for everyday items and surfaces, but it does not provide the same level of assurance as sterilization in clinical settings where absolute sterility is required. Therefore, the fundamental difference in the scope and effectiveness of these two processes highlights why sterilization is deemed stronger than disinfection.