CHAPTER X 



% 



ANTISEPTICS, DISINFECTANTS, AND GERMICIDES 



Germicide. An agent capable of killing bacteria. 



Disinfectant. Also an agent capable of killing bac- 

 teria. The term, however, is usually restricted to such 

 germicides as are used to disinfect rooms, buildings, cars, 

 and similar structures. 



Antiseptic. A substance capable of preventing the 

 growth and development of germs, but not necessarily 

 destroying them. A disinfectant or germicide is nec- 

 essarily an antiseptic, but an antiseptic is neither a 

 germicide nor disinfectant. A disinfectant is the term 

 used in speaking of a germicide used for destroying the 

 contagion after contagious disease, to disinfect discharges, 

 excreta, clothing in infectious diseases, and to prepare 

 the hands, the field of operation, and room in which an 

 operation is to be performed. An antiseptic is used for 

 the purpose of keeping wound dressings aseptic, or to 

 assist nature in conquering infection after it has occurred. 

 Most disinfectants or germicides in germicidal strength 

 are too strong for use in wounds, as they may destroy 

 the tissue cells as well as the bacteria. 



Deodorants are substances which destroy odors. 

 While germicides may do this, the term is usually re- 



60 



