non-selective antimicrobials

non-selective antimicrobials are loosely termed

sterilants, disinfectants, and antiseptics

which definition is applied depends on

their efficacy in clearing microbial loads and their intended use

sterilant efficacy

inactivates all living organisms

sterilant intended use

to eliminate all potential pathogenic species

used on inanimate objects only

disinfectant efficacy

inactivates most organisms, but spores can survive

disinfectant intended use

to reduce infection risk, used on inanimate objects

antiseptic efficacy

reduces microbial load, varied efficacy

antiseptic intended use

to reduce microbial load on skin surface and around wounds

used on living organisms