OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which category does alcohol belong to in terms of its use?

1. Germicide

2. Halogen

3. Antiseptic

4. Sterilizing agent

The correct answer is: Antiseptic

Alcohol is classified as an antiseptic due to its ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissues, such as skin. Antiseptics are specifically formulated for application to skin and mucous membranes where they can help prevent infection by reducing the number of pathogens. In practice, alcohol is commonly used in healthcare settings for hand sanitization and skin disinfection prior to surgical procedures and injections. It works effectively against a broad spectrum of bacteria and some viruses by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, which disrupts cell membranes. While alcohol can also have germicidal properties, which means it can kill germs, its primary function is as an antiseptic when used on skin. Halogens, on the other hand, are a different class of disinfectants and do not include alcohol, while sterilizing agents are substances used to achieve total destruction of all forms of microbial life, typically requiring different criteria and methods than those employed with alcohol.