It provides the lowest safety margin because it does not require or necessarily produce the complete destruction of any particular microorganisms. Spores bacteria in a dormant state. Sporicidal any agent with the ability to kill spores. Saturated Steam steam holding all the moisture it can hold and still remain a vapor. Sterile free of all living microorganisms.
Sterilization is a process capable of destroying all forms of microbial life on inanimate surfaces.