What term describes the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms by direct exposure to chemicals or heat?

The term that describes the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms through direct exposure to chemicals or heat is disinfection. Disinfection involves using physical or chemical means to eliminate most pathogenic organisms on inanimate surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of infection. This process does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, but it significantly lowers their numbers to a safe level.

In the context of lab practices and healthcare settings, disinfection is an essential step in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections. Common disinfectants include bleach, alcohol, and various chemical agents that are particularly effective against bacteria and viruses.

While antisepsis refers to the prevention of infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, particularly on living tissues, it does not describe the overall process of killing pathogens. Sterilization, on the other hand, involves completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is more rigorous than disinfection. Sanitization is a process that reduces the microbial load to safe levels but may not necessarily eliminate all pathogens, making disinfection a more accurate term for what is specifically being described in the question.