Which process aims to destroy all forms of microbial life?

Sterilization is the process designed to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This is achieved through methods such as autoclaving, which uses steam under pressure, or chemical agents that can achieve complete microbial eradication. Sterilization is crucial in settings like surgical procedures, laboratory work, and any situation where products or equipment must be completely free of any contaminants, ensuring safety and preventing infections.

Disinfection, while effective in reducing harmful organisms to a level considered safe, does not achieve the complete destruction that sterilization accomplishes. Sanitization refers to the process of cleaning to reduce the number of germs to a safe level, often acceptable for public health standards, but again, it does not eliminate all microorganisms. Degerming, on the other hand, involves the mechanical removal of microbes from a surface, such as skin, usually through scrubbing and use of antiseptics but does not guarantee sterilization. Thus, sterilization is the only process that guarantees the total destruction of all microbial forms.