What is the purpose of sterilization in a medical setting?

The purpose of sterilization in a medical setting is to eliminate all microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, ensuring that instruments and surfaces are completely free from any viable microorganisms. This is crucial in medical environments where the risk of infection is high, as sterilization helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents during surgical procedures, invasive examinations, or the use of medical devices.

While other methods of disinfection and cleaning may reduce the number of pathogens or clean surfaces, sterilization goes a step further by ensuring that every possible pathogen is destroyed. This is essential for safeguarding patient health, particularly in surgeries or when using any instruments that will breach the skin or mucosal barriers.