Antiseptics and Disinfectants

Antiseptics are for use on people.

Disinfectants are for use on objects and surfaces.

Antiseptics

Antiseptics are used for:

Skin, cervical, or vaginal preparation before a clinical procedure

Surgical scrub

Handwashing in high-risk situations, such as before an invasive procedure or contact with a client at high risk of infection (e.g., a newborn or immunosuppressed client)

Antiseptics are not meant to be used on inanimate objects, such as instruments and surfaces. Antiseptics are designed to be used for reducing or destroying microorganisms on the skin or mucous membranes without damaging these tissues. They usually do not have the same killing power as chemicals used for high-level disinfection of inanimate objects. Therefore, antiseptic solutions should never be used to disinfect inanimate objects, such as instruments and reusable gloves. In addition, items such as pickup forceps, scissors, scalpel blades, and suture needles should never be left soaking in an antiseptic solution.

Note:

Chlorhexidine (with or without cetrimide) and iodophor solutions are the preferred antiseptics for use in health care settings. While products containing chlorhexidine are ideal for surgical handscrub and skin preparation in general, they may not be the best antiseptics to use in the genital area because of the small potential for irritation. Iodophors are a better choice for use in the genital area; however, if an iodophor is not available, a product containing chlorhexidine is the best alternative.

Hexachlorophene and iodine solutions are not recommended for use in routine surgical handscrub or for use on mucous membranes.

Benzalkonium chloride (BZK) and mercury laurel are disinfectants and should not be used as antiseptics.