Antiseptics and disinfectants

Antiseptics and disinfectants play an important role in microbial control in both the veterinary patient and hospital. Selection of antiseptics and disinfectants should be based on knowledge of their characteristics. Antiseptics should exert a sustained effect against microorganisms without causing tissue damage. Disinfectants destroy disease-producing microorganisms on inanimate objects, but they lack the efficacy achieved by sterilization procedures. The key to proper use of antiseptics and disinfectants is using the proper germicidal agent under conditions that maximize success and minimize complications.