What type of infection control reduces microorganisms to the lowest level by using water and chemical disinfectants?

• A. Medical asepsis
• B. Surgical asepsis
• C. Standard precautions
• D. Gas sterilization

Answer: (A)

Medical asepsis focuses on reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level through cleaning and disinfection. Using water to wash and chemical disinfectants to wipe surfaces or instruments weakens and lowers microbial presence, which is the standard approach for routine patient care and non-invasive tasks. It’s sometimes called clean technique and aims for reduced risk, not complete elimination.

In contrast, surgical asepsis seeks to keep areas and instruments completely sterile for invasive procedures, requiring sterile technique and a sterile field. Gas sterilization is a method used to achieve sterility on certain heat-sensitive items, not just reduction. Standard precautions provide a broad framework to prevent transmission (hand hygiene, PPE, safe practices) but aren’t defined as the specific reduction of microorganisms using water and disinfectants.