What method is used to destroy all living organisms, including bacterial spores?

The method used to destroy all living organisms, including bacterial spores, is sterilization. This process ensures that not only are bacteria and viruses killed, but also the more resilient bacterial spores that can survive in harsh environments. Sterilization is essential in settings where a completely germ-free environment is critical, such as in medical, surgical, and certain beauty-related services.

Sterilization can be achieved through various methods, such as autoclaving (using steam under pressure), dry heat, or chemical means like ethylene oxide gas. This level of thoroughness is necessary to eliminate any potential for infection or contamination.

In contrast, sanitation involves reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level, but it does not eliminate all microbes. Disinfection targets and kills most microorganisms but may not affect all spores. Antiseptics are used on living tissue to inhibit the growth of microorganisms rather than eliminate all forms of life. Thus, for comprehensive sterility, sterilization is the preferred and correct answer.