Which term describes the absence of living microbes?

• A. Contaminated
• B. Infected
• C. Sterile
• D. Septic

Answer: (C)

Sterility means there are no viable living microorganisms present. This state is essential for instruments, wounds, and environments in podiatry to prevent infections, achieved through proper sterilization methods that kill all microbes, including spores. Contaminated describes surfaces or items that do have microbes on them, though not necessarily causing harm. Infected means microbes are actively invading tissue and causing disease or damage. Septic refers to a systemic infection, with toxins in the blood and a dangerous inflammatory response. Because the question asks for absence of living microbes, sterile is the correct term.