What is Sterility?

Sterility, in the context of medical or biological environments, refers to the complete absence of viable microorganisms or other biological agents. This means that an object, substance, or environment is free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms capable of reproduction or causing infection. Sterilization is a critical process in healthcare, laboratories, and the food industry to prevent contamination, infection, and spoilage. Common methods for achieving sterility include autoclaving (using high-pressure steam), radiation (e.g., gamma or electron beam), filtration (using specialized filters), and chemical sterilization (e.g., with ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide vapor).