1. Chapter 9 Antiseptics and Disinfectants

2. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 2 Antiseptic An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms Used on skin

3. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 3 Disinfectant An agent that rapidly destroys pathogenic microorganisms, thus preventing infection Used on inanimate objects

4. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 4 Germicide A general term for agents capable of destroying microorganisms

5. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 5 Actions of Agents Cell wall protein is destroyed; cell death occurs Cell membrane permeability increases and vital contents leak out; cell death occurs Metabolism is disrupted; cell death occurs Cell components become oxidized; cell death occurs

6. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 6 Antiseptics and Disinfectants Mercury compounds Silver compounds Surface-active agents Oxidizing agents Chlorhexidine Phenolic agents Alcohols and aldehydes Acids Iodine and iodophors Chlorine and chlorophors

7. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved. 9 - 7 Properties of the Agents What agent are you cleaning with? Is the offending organism killed or inactivated? Is skin application acceptable? How corrosive is the cleaning agent to the skin? Does the cleaning agent have adverse effects on the skin or inanimate object?