What does the term degermination refer to?

Degermination is a specific process that involves the removal of germs or microorganisms from a surface or an object. This term is commonly used in contexts such as preparing skin for a surgical procedure or cleaning instruments in a clinical setting. The focus is on physically reducing the number of bacteria and other pathogens to minimize the risk of infection.

While the other options relate to methods of reducing or eliminating microorganisms, they don't precisely capture the essence of what degermination entails. Sanitization refers to reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but it does not emphasize the physical removal aspect as strongly as degermination does. Disinfection involves killing or inactivating pathogens, often relying on chemical agents, but again, it does not focus solely on the removal process. Antisepsis involves applying antiseptic substances to living tissue to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, rather than strictly removing them. Thus, the key characteristic of degermination is its emphasis on the physical removal of germs, making it distinct from the other terms presented.