PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

Answer: C - Antiseptic is the germicide used on the skin or living tissue.

Disinfectants are germicides used on inanimate objects (e.g., floors, walls, or sinks) to destroy all recognized pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily all bacterial endospores.

Sterilization is the destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, by physical or chemical means. Sterile means free from all living microorganisms. Sterilization is commonly used for instruments.

Surfactants can loosen, emulsify, and hold organisms in suspension, so as to be more readily rinsed away.