Final answer:
The time required for items to remain in an immersion disinfectant for sterilization varies based on the product used, and it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions. The decimal reduction time (D-value) refers to the time needed to reduce a microbial population by 90% (Option C).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how long items must remain in an immersion disinfectant to achieve sterilization is an aspect of infection control in healthcare settings. Unfortunately, it's impossible to provide an exact duration without information on the specific type of immersion disinfectant being used.
Typically, manufacturer instructions dictate the necessary time, which could range widely from 10 minutes up to several hours. It's crucial to follow these instructions because failure to do so may result in inadequate sterilization. In relation to the decimal reduction time (D-value), it refers to the time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (Option C).