What is an antiseptic?

An antiseptic is defined as a substance that prevents infection by inhibiting the growth of microbes on living tissue. This characteristic is crucial in medical settings where it is necessary to reduce the risk of infection during surgical procedures, wound care, or skin preparations. Antiseptics are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, and they are formulated to be safe for use on living tissues, differentiating them from disinfectants, which are intended for inanimate surfaces.

In contrast, sterilization refers to a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is not specifically related to living tissue. Disinfectants serve a different purpose as they are chemicals used on non-living surfaces to destroy or inactivate harmful organisms, and the method of cleaning surgical instruments is focused on ensuring that tools are free from contaminants, rather than on preventing infection at the site of application on the body. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective infection control in clinical practice.