Which of the following best defines disinfection on nonporous surfaces?

• A. Kills all microorganisms including spores
• B. Kills most bacteria, fungi, and viruses but not spores
• C. Removes visible dirt only
• D. Eliminates microbes by sterilization

Answer: (B)

Disinfection on nonporous surfaces aims to reduce the risk by destroying most bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause illness, but spores are more resistant and not reliably eradicated by standard disinfectants. So the goal is to lower microbial load to safe levels without achieving complete sterility. Sterilization would kill all organisms, including spores, whereas cleaning merely removes dirt and debris and does not guarantee killing microbes.