Which term is defined as the absence of microorganisms that produce disease and the prevention of infection by maintaining a sterile condition?

• A. Asepsis
• B. Contamination
• C. Decontamination
• D. Infection

Answer: (A)

Absence of microorganisms that produce disease and the prevention of infection by maintaining a sterile condition is asepsis. It means keeping areas, surfaces, and instruments free of pathogens and protecting the patient from introducing microbes into sterile sites. This differs from contamination (microorganisms present where they shouldn’t be), decontamination (reducing microbial load), and infection (the invasion and multiplication of microbes causing disease). In practice, asepsis underpins sterile technique and infection control, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization, and maintaining a sterile field during procedures.