Antiseptic is defined as which of the following?

Antiseptic is defined as which of the following?

• A. A chemical agent used to kill all microorganisms instantly
• B. Chemical agent approved for use on the skin that inhibits growth and reproduction of microorganisms
• C. A chemical agent that stains skin
• D. A chemical agent used to clean surfaces

Answer: (B)

Antiseptics are chemical agents approved for use on the skin that inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. They’re designed to reduce microbial load on living tissue rather than kill all microbes instantly, which distinguishes them from sterilants or surface disinfectants. The other options describe actions not typical of antiseptics (instant total kill, staining the skin, or cleaning surfaces), so this definition best fits.

Antiseptics are chemical agents approved for use on the skin that inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. They’re designed to reduce microbial load on living tissue rather than kill all microbes instantly, which distinguishes them from sterilants or surface disinfectants. The other options describe actions not typical of antiseptics (instant total kill, staining the skin, or cleaning surfaces), so this definition best fits.