What method is employed to remove foreign materials using detergents?

The correct answer is that the method employed to remove foreign materials using detergents is referred to as cleaning. Cleaning is a fundamental practice that involves the physical removal of dirt, debris, organic material, and contaminants from surfaces, often using detergents and water.

Detergents act by breaking down the surface tension of materials, allowing for better removal of soils and particles. This process is essential in infection control as it helps to prepare surfaces for subsequent disinfection by ensuring that there are no barriers to the efficacy of the antimicrobial agents used afterward.

While related, the other terms have distinct meanings in the context of infection control. For instance, decontamination is a broader term that encompasses cleaning as well as disinfection and sterilization processes, aimed at making an item safe to handle. Disinfection refers specifically to the process that eliminates or reduces pathogenic microorganisms, typically following the cleaning process to ensure maximum effectiveness. Cleansing generally pertains to washing or purifying, but in the context of infection control, cleaning is the most fitting term to describe the removal of foreign materials with detergents.