Define antisepsis.

• A. Destruction of damaged tissue
• B. Removal of all microbes from surfaces
• C. Prevention of sepsis by destruction of pathogens
• D. Killing spores only

Answer: (C)

Antisepsis is about preventing infection by reducing or destroying microorganisms on living tissue, such as skin or wounds, to stop them from causing sepsis after a procedure or injury. This is why the option describing prevention of sepsis by destruction of pathogens on living tissue fits best—it targets pathogens where they live and act, not all microbes on inanimate surfaces.

It’s not about removing all microbes from surfaces (that would be disinfection of non-living objects) and it’s not limited to killing spores only (antiseptics may not be sporicidal and the goal is broader reduction of common pathogens on living tissue). It also isn’t about destruction of damaged tissue, which is tissue injury, not antimicrobial action.