SISKA YONIESSA, S.

S,
M.Pd
Disinfectants are toxic chemical substances which destroy micro-organisms and
living tissue. Antiseptics are less toxic substances which inhibit the growth of
micro-organism. Generally speaking, disinfectants are used for sterilizing
inanimate object, and antiseptics are used for cleansing the skin and
maintaining the sterility of boiled or auto-claved instruments. These definitions
are, however, not precise because the destructive power of a disinfectant
depends on its strength and the length of time for which it is used. Nowadays,
disinfectants are often referred to as “bactericides” because they kill bacteria,
and antiseptics are called “bacteriostatics” because they prevent bacteria from
growing and multiplying.

Answer these questions

1. What do disinfectants do?
2. What do antiseptics do?
3. What are disinfectants used for?
4. What are antiseptics used for?
5. What does the destructive power of a disinfectant depend on?
6. Why are disinfectants sometimes called bactericides?
7. Why are antiseptics sometimes called bacteriostatics?
 Some chemical agents commonly used as disinfectants or antiseptics

Substance Use

Proflavine For disinfecting the skin and swabbing wounds

Gentian violet For preparing the skin before operation
Tincture of iodine For disinfecting the skin
Cetrimide For disinfecting the skin, instruments and other equipment
Hydrogen peroxide For irrigating wounds and cavities and removing pus and blood
Hibitane For disinfecting the skin and instruments
Lysol For disinfecting floors, baths, clothes etc
Phenol For disinfecting linen sanitary equipment and excreta
THANK YOU