What is the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?

• A. An antiseptic is for living tissue; a disinfectant is for inanimate surfaces and kills most pathogens.
• B. Disinfectants are used on living tissue; antiseptics on nonliving surfaces.
• C. Both are identical and can be used interchangeably.
• D. Antiseptics kill spores; disinfectants kill all bacteria.

Answer: (C)

Antiseptics are designed for use on living tissue to reduce or prevent infection, such as on the skin or mucous membranes. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are meant for inanimate surfaces and objects, like countertops or tools, to destroy or inactivate pathogens on those surfaces. Because of this difference in purpose, they are not interchangeable: disinfectants are often too harsh and toxic for skin, while antiseptics may not be formulated to effectively disinfect hard surfaces or stay safely on them. In practice, you’d apply an antiseptic to skin or clients’ areas when cleaning or preparing, and use a disinfectant to sanitize surfaces and nonliving items after appropriate cleaning. Note that neither category guarantees killing spores; sterilants are the products designed to destroy spores.