Final answer:
The claim that the kinds of microbes on a surface are not important for choosing a sterilization chemical is false. Disinfectants are chosen based on the types of microbes they can effectively kill. Factors like microbial susceptibility and the presence of organic matter affect the choice and effectiveness of disinfectants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the kinds of microbes potentially present on a surface are not an important factor in choosing which chemical agent is required for sterilization is false. Chemical disinfectants are indeed grouped according to the types of microbes and infectious agents they are effective against, such as high-level germicides, which can lead to sterilization by killing a wide range of microbes including endospores, and low-level germicides, which typically only kill vegetative cells and some enveloped viruses. The effectiveness of a disinfectant is directly influenced by factors including the specific susceptibility of the microbes, the concentration and temperature of the disinfectant, and the length of exposure.
Moreover, conditions such as the presence of organic debris or biofilms on surfaces can compromise the disinfecting agent's effectiveness, necessitating a more intense sterilization protocol.