What does the cleaning process involve in infection control?

The cleaning process in infection control primarily involves the reduction of visible dirt and organic matter from surfaces or items. This step is crucial as it prepares the environment for further disinfection or sterilization processes, which aim to eliminate microorganisms. Cleaning effectively removes debris that can harbor pathogens, making subsequent disinfection more effective.

While other options mention destruction, elimination, and disinfection, they refer to more advanced processes beyond the basic cleaning routine. For example, disinfection and sterilization focus on killing microorganisms, but cleaning alone is concerned primarily with the physical removal of dirt and contaminants. This foundational step is essential because if surfaces are not properly cleaned, any applied disinfectants may not be effective due to the presence of organic matter.