Which term describes an environment devoid of microorganisms?

Which term describes an environment devoid of microorganisms?

• A. Contaminated
• B. Infected
• C. Sterile
• D. Septic

Answer: (C)

Sterile means free of all viable microorganisms. In medical contexts, achieving sterility is about removing microbes through sterilization and maintaining a clean, aseptic environment to prevent infection during procedures. The other terms describe the presence or impact of microbes: contaminated means microorganisms are present, but not necessarily causing issues; infected indicates microbes have invaded tissue and caused illness; septic refers to a severe infection that has spread and affected the body systemically. Because the environment is described as devoid of microorganisms, sterile is the correct description.

Sterile means free of all viable microorganisms. In medical contexts, achieving sterility is about removing microbes through sterilization and maintaining a clean, aseptic environment to prevent infection during procedures. The other terms describe the presence or impact of microbes: contaminated means microorganisms are present, but not necessarily causing issues; infected indicates microbes have invaded tissue and caused illness; septic refers to a severe infection that has spread and affected the body systemically. Because the environment is described as devoid of microorganisms, sterile is the correct description.