How is a substance described as aseptic?

A substance described as aseptic is one that is free of disease-causing organisms. This term is often used in medical and healthcare settings to indicate that an environment, surface, or material has been adequately treated to eliminate pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Maintaining asepsis is crucial in various procedures, particularly those that involve surgeries, injections, or handling of sterile equipment, to protect patients from potential infections that could arise from harmful microorganisms.

The other options do not align with the definition of aseptic. A substance being rich in nutrients relates to its capacity to support growth, which is contrary to the idea of being free from harmful organisms. Similarly, a high pH level does not inherently indicate the presence or absence of pathogens; rather, it relates to the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Lastly, a substance capable of causing infection is the opposite of being aseptic, as it implies the presence of harmful organisms rather than their absence.