What term refers to measures taken to prevent the spread of pathogens from the environment to the patient by eliminating all microorganisms in that environment?

• A. Sterile
• B. Sterile Technique
• C. Osteo
• D. Derm

Answer: (B)

Sterile technique is the set of practices used to prevent the spread of pathogens from the environment to the patient by maintaining a field free of microorganisms. It includes hand hygiene, sterile gloves, sterile instruments, proper draping, and keeping a sterile field, all aimed at eliminating microorganisms in the work area to reduce infection risk during procedures. Sterile describes a state with no living microorganisms, not the process used to achieve it. The other terms here don’t fit the context: osteo relates to bone, and derm relates to the skin.