The complete destruction of all pathogenic, beneficial, and harmless microorganisms from the surface of instruments and equipment is ____.

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Sterilization is the only choice that involves the complete destruction of all microorganisms, including pathogenic, beneficial, and harmless ones. Surgical asepsis refers to techniques to prevent the introduction of microorganisms during surgery. Sanitization typically reduces the number of microorganisms but does not necessarily eliminate all of them. Disinfection involves reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but it may not eliminate all pathogenic microbes. Purification typically refers to the removal of impurities or contaminants from a substance, such as water, but not necessarily the complete destruction of microorganisms.

The Complete Destruction of All Pathogenic, Beneficial, and Harmless Microorganisms