Question

What is the difference between disinfectants and antiseptics ? Can the same chemical be used for both the pruposes ?

Answer 1

Hi,

Here is your answer,

Chemical compound are used for killing or preventing the growth of microorganisms. Compounds when applied to living tissues like wounds, cuts, ulcers and diseased skin surfaces are called antiseptics. However when applied to inanimate objects like floors and drainage systems, they are called disinfectants. Same chemical in low concentration may be used as antiseptic and in high concentration as disinfectants. 0.2% Phenol solution is antiseptic but 1% phenol solution is disinfectant.


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Answer 2

Answer:

Antiseptics and disinfectants both kill microorganisms, and many people use the terms interchangeably. Adding to the confusion, antiseptics are sometimes called skin disinfectants.

But there’s a big difference between antiseptics and disinfectants. An antiseptic is applied to the body, while disinfectants are applied to nonliving surfaces, such as countertops and handrails. In a surgical setting, for example, a doctor will apply an antiseptic to the surgical site on a person’s body and use a disinfectant to sterilize the operating table.

Both antiseptics and disinfectants contain chemical agents that are sometimes called biocides. Hydrogen peroxide is an example of a common ingredient in both antiseptics and disinfectants. However, antiseptics usually contain lower concentrations of biocides than disinfectants do.

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