Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
A medical assistant is preparing to clean a patient's wound. Which of the following solutions is considered an antiseptic and is safe for use on living tissue?
- ABleach solution
- BGlutaraldehyde
- CIsopropyl alcohol (70%)
- DPhenol
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Antiseptics are chemical agents applied to living tissue to reduce the number of microorganisms. Isopropyl alcohol (70%) is a common antiseptic used for skin preparation before injections or minor procedures. Bleach, glutaraldehyde, and phenol are disinfectants or sterilants, generally too harsh and toxic for use on living tissue.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bleach is a strong disinfectant, toxic to living tissue.
- B. Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant/sterilant, not for living tissue.
- D. Phenol is a disinfectant, corrosive and toxic to living tissue.
Antiseptics vs. Disinfectants
Antiseptics are used on living tissue to reduce microorganisms, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects.
- Antiseptics are tissue-safe.
- Disinfectants are for surfaces.
- Some chemicals can be both, at different concentrations.
Memory trick: Antiseptic-Skin, Disinfectant-Surface!