Final answer:
The second step of infection control is cleaning, which is precedes disinfection or sterilization. An antiseptic is used on living tissues, while filtration is a physical removal method for samples. Disinfectants and antiseptics reduce, not necessarily eliminate, microbial load unless they are strong sterilants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second step of infection control is cleaning. This step is essential as it prepares the surface or instrument by removing organic matter, such as blood and tissues, which can shield pathogens from more effective disinfection or sterilization. After cleaning, instruments may then undergo disinfection or sterilization, depending on their use and the level of microbial control required.
For example, a suitable microbial control method used on tissues to prevent infection is an antiseptic, like alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can kill or inhibit pathogens while being safe for application to living tissues.
Additionally, methods like filtration do not kill microbes; they physically remove them from samples, making it a useful process for treating air and liquids to remove contaminants.
It is also important to understand that while both disinfectants and antiseptics reduce microbial load, they may not always achieve sterilization unless they are potent enough to act as sterilants. The effectiveness of a disinfectant can be compromised by factors such as the presence of organic matter, the concentration of the disinfectant, and the duration of exposure.