Disinfecting is described as which of the following?

• A. Removing visible dirt
• B. Killing most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces
• C. Sterilizing all life forms
• D. Preventing odors

Answer: (B)

Disinfection is the process of reducing or destroying pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate, nonporous surfaces to a level that helps prevent disease transmission. It aims to kill most disease-causing organisms, but it does not guarantee the elimination of all microbes or spores, and it’s not the same as sterilization. Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris first, which helps disinfection work better; sterilization, by contrast, would kill all life forms, including spores. Odor control isn’t part of disinfection.