What is antisepsis?

• A. Use of liquid chemicals to kill many bacteria on animate surfaces; used on body
• B. Use of liquid chemicals to kill many bacteria on inanimate surfaces
• C. Complete elimination by heat
• D. Degree of microbial contamination

Answer: (A)

Antisepsis is applying chemical agents to living tissues to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent infection. These agents are chosen to be safe for skin and mucous membranes, so they lower the microbial load on the body rather than trying to achieve complete sterility. This is different from disinfection, which targets inanimate surfaces, and from sterilization, which aims to kill all life forms. Describing the use of liquid chemicals on living surfaces of the body to kill bacteria aligns with antisepsis because it emphasizes protecting a living host by reducing microbes.