Final answer:
Quats are intermediate-level disinfectants in clinical settings, effective against various microbes but not endospores. Antiseptics are used on tissues for microbial control. The effectiveness of chemical disinfectants is historically compared to phenol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as quats, are classified as intermediate-level disinfectants in the clinical setting. These compounds, which include substances such as benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyrimidine chloride, are effective against a variety of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. However, they are not capable of destroying endospores, thus they do not achieve the highest level of germicidal activity which is characteristic of high-level germicides.
One of the suitable options for microbial control on tissues to prevent infection is an antiseptic. Unlike disinfectants, which are used on non-living surfaces, antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are safe to use on living tissues to reduce the risk of infection.
When considering the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants, historically, the standard comparison has been made to phenol. Phenol has served as the benchmark for evaluating the germicidal potency of other disinfectants.