Final answer:
Reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level is called sanitization, which doesn't kill all microbes but significantly lowers their amount. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microbial life, often using high heat or chemicals. Sanitization is different from disinfection, which uses chemical agents to kill most pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level is known as sanitization. This process involves cleaning surfaces or objects to decrease the microbial load to levels considered safe for health standards. Sanitization does not necessarily kill all microbes but reduces their numbers significantly. In contrast, sterilization refers to the complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses. It is an extreme protocol usually required in medical or laboratory settings. Conditions such as high heat or the use of chemicals known as sterilants can achieve sterilization. Disinfection, meanwhile, aims to eliminate most, but not all, pathogens and is usually done with chemical disinfectants.
When considering the question, "Which of the following is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection?", the correct answer is B. antiseptic, as these are antimicrobial substances designed to be safe enough for use on living tissues.
The decimal reduction time refers to the amount of time necessary to reduce a microbial population by 90%. The correct answer to this question is C. reduce a microbial population by 90%