Final answer:
A surface that is free from dirt, oil, and microbes has been sanitized. Sanitization makes surfaces safe for public health by significantly reducing microbial presence, but does not achieve total sterility. An antiseptic, not a disinfectant, is suitable for use on tissues to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a surface is free from dirt, oil, and/or microbes, it has been sanitized. Sanitization refers to the cleansing process that removes enough microbes to achieve levels deemed safe for public health. This often involves the use of high temperature or chemical disinfectants, such as those found in commercial dishwashers or used in hospitals, to prevent disease transmission. Sanitizing does not make an item sterile, as it does not eliminate all microbes, particularly hardy forms like endospores, which can survive harsher treatments.
For microbial control on tissues to prevent infection, the most suitable option is an antiseptic. While disinfectants are used on nonliving surfaces, such as lab benches and countertops, antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection. An example of an antiseptic is alcohol, which is often used to swab the skin before injections. These chemicals are meant to be safe for use on skin and other tissues, whereas disinfectants can be harmful to living cells.