Which of the following is an outcome of effective sterilization?

An outcome of effective sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores, from medical instruments and surfaces. This is crucial in a healthcare setting to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. Achieving a state where no viable microbes are present means that the tools are safe to use on patients, particularly in invasive procedures where the risk of infection is higher.

While reduced turnover time in the operating room, increased durability of instruments, and lower levels of contamination are all important aspects of the overall sterilization and cleaning process, they do not directly represent the primary goal of sterilization itself. The primary function of sterilization is the complete eradication of all living organisms, which is vital for maintaining strict aseptic conditions in medical and surgical environments.