What process destroys all organisms, including pathogens?

Sterilization is the process that ultimately destroys all living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and any other pathogens. This process ensures that both harmful and harmless microorganisms are eliminated, providing a microbiological assurance of safety. Sterilization can be achieved through various methods, such as steam under pressure (autoclaving), dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, or chemical sterilants.

In contrast, sanitation refers to the reduction of pathogen levels to a point where they are considered safe, but it does not eliminate all organisms. Disinfection specifically targets and kills a substantial number of pathogens but may not eliminate all forms of microorganisms, especially resistant spores. Filtration is a physical process that removes particles and some pathogens from water but does not sterilize or kill organisms; it simply separates them from the water.

Thus, the ability of sterilization to ensure a complete absence of all organisms sets it apart as the most comprehensive method for achieving microbiologically safe conditions.