ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

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The chemical agent alcohol can be used effectively as a(n):

antiseptic
germicide
disinfectant
antibiotic

The correct answer is: antiseptic

Alcohol is commonly recognized for its effectiveness as an antiseptic. An antiseptic is a substance that is applied to living tissues to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Alcohol, particularly in concentrations of 60-80%, is effective in reducing the number of viable pathogens on the skin, making it a popular choice for hand sanitizers and skin preparation before procedures. While it also has germicidal properties, which refers to its ability to kill germs, and can serve as a disinfectant on surfaces, the context here is specifically focused on its application on skin and living tissues, which distinctly identifies it as an antiseptic. It is important to note that alcohol is not an antibiotic, as antibiotics specifically target bacterial infections internally and have a different mechanism of action than antiseptics like alcohol.