Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term used to describe disease-producing microorganisms is "pathogens." Pathogens include a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are capable of causing illness in a host. Understanding what pathogens are is crucial in sterile processing and infection control, as these microorganisms can pose a significant risk when proper sterilization and hygiene practices are not strictly followed.

Bioburden refers to the number of viable microorganisms that are present on a surface or in a device before sterilization, but it does not specifically indicate whether those microorganisms are capable of causing disease. Antimicrobials are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but are not microorganisms themselves. Vectors are typically organisms, such as insects, that transmit pathogens from one host to another, hence they play a role in the spread of disease rather than being the pathogens themselves. Therefore, the definition of pathogens specifically addresses the microorganisms that directly cause disease.