Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

Sanitizing agents are used to reduce the number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces to a safe level, as determined by public health standards or requirements. Disinfection, which involves the use of stronger chemical agents, is generally reserved for areas and surfaces more likely to be contaminated with pathogens, and sterilization, which is the highest level of microbial kill, is typically applied to surgical instruments and not necessary for routine office cleaning. Antiseptics are used on living tissues, not surfaces.