The goal of surgical asepsis is the elimination of microbes and their spore forms.

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Surgical asepsis aims to maintain a sterile field by eliminating all microorganisms, including spores. This level of cleanliness is necessary because spores are highly resistant and can survive ordinary disinfection, potentially contaminating the area during invasive procedures. Therefore, the goal is complete elimination of viable microbes, not just a reduction. It isn’t a matter of the procedure changing the aim, and describing it as a 90% reduction would not equate to true sterility.