Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What process kills most microorganisms but not necessarily spores?

1. High-level disinfection

2. Low-level disinfection

3. Sterilization

4. Cleaning

The correct answer is: High-level disinfection

High-level disinfection is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, but does not guarantee the destruction of all spores. This method is particularly effective against microorganisms that are more resistant, making it suitable for items that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. While high-level disinfection is strong enough to handle most organisms, it falls short of sterilization, which is the process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. Low-level disinfection, on the other hand, is effective against only a limited range of bacteria and viruses, and cleaning simply refers to the removal of visible dirt and impurities without necessarily disinfecting or sterilizing the surfaces or instruments involved. Therefore, high-level disinfection strikes a balance in its ability to manage a wide spectrum of microorganisms while accepting that some spores may remain.