Use of Antiseptics & Disinfectants
Disinfectants and antiseptics are germicidal solutions, also known as sanitizers and antimicrobials, and are used to quickly kill bacteria on contact. The difference between the two is that disinfectants are used to kill bacteria on objects and surfaces while antiseptics are used to kill bacteria on skin or living tissue. Disinfectants and antiseptics are used everywhere from hospitals to homes to destroy harmful microorganisms.
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Different Types of Disinfectants
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Different types of disinfectants include alcohols, aldehydes, bleaches, hydrogen peroxide, iodine and potassium permanganate solution. Phenol compounds, which are disinfectants used in hand-washes and soaps, are also used for their anti-bacterial properties.
Use of Disinfectants
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Disinfectants are used in many different places such as in hospitals, clinics, homes, schools and offices. They are used to clean surfaces such as toilets, sinks, floors, drains, door knobs, counters and garbage cans. Disinfectants aid in maintaining a clean environment to help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria that may cause infections.
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Different Types of Antiseptics
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Different types of antiseptics include alcohol, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, carbolic acid, chlorohexadine, sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite. Additionally, phenol compounds are also used as antiseptics such as in mouthwashes.
Use of Antiseptics
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Antiseptics are applied to the skin either to sterilize a cut or used for hand-washing such as before a surgical procedure or contact with those who are at a high risk of infection such as newborn babies. Antiseptics destroy and inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin or mucous membranes. They are not as strong as disinfectants, so they shouldn't be used to clean objects and surfaces.
Regulatory Agencies
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The use of disinfectants is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticides. They require manufacturers to test the product's stability, toxicity to humans and microbial activity before being distributed and sold. Germicides that are used in the medical environment are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specific information about microbial activity is submitted by the manufacturers before being distributed and sold. The FDA also regulates the use of antimicrobial soaps, scrubs and wound protectors.
Germicidal Effectiveness
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The effectiveness of germicides is based on a number of factors. Such factors include the shape of the object being cleaned, its texture and whether it is flat or cracked. The amount of microbes and the resistance of these microbes to the germicide also play a part in its effectiveness. The amount of blood, mucus or tissue on the skin affects the effectiveness of antiseptics, as do the chemical composition, time of exposure and temperature of the germicide. It is for this reason that germicidal solutions should be used for its specific purpose and used properly based on the manufacturer's instructions.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kitten Fleming
