What are the four levels of sanitation in a laboratory?

The four levels of sanitation in a laboratory are accurately represented by the terms cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, debris, and organic matter from surfaces, which is essential as it prepares the environment for further sanitation procedures. Sanitation involves reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, which is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Disinfection goes a step further by using chemical agents to specifically destroy or deactivate pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces. Finally, sterilization is the most rigorous level of sanitation, eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, ensuring that items are free from any viable pathogens.

Together, these levels provide a comprehensive approach to maintaining a sterile and safe laboratory environment, critical for both research integrity and animal welfare. The other options do not correctly encapsulate the standard terminology and progression used in laboratory sanitation practices.