Which is the stronger method for eliminating all forms of microbial life?

Sterilization is recognized as the strongest method for eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi. This process involves using physical or chemical means to completely destroy or remove all viable microorganisms from a surface or item. Common techniques for sterilization include autoclaving (using pressurized steam), dry heat, or chemical agents that meet specific standards for efficacy.

In contrast, disinfection only reduces the number of pathogenic organisms on surfaces and does not necessarily eliminate all microbial life. Sanitization typically refers to reducing microbial load to safe levels, which means it may not eradicate all microbes. Similarly, antisepsis involves the application of antiseptics to living tissues to reduce the presence of bacteria, but it does not achieve complete sterility. Thus, sterilization is the definitive method when the goal is to achieve total microbial elimination.