Final answer:
Offline medical control methods to reduce microbial load include disinfection, which are substances applied to non-living objects, and antisepsis, which are substances applied to living tissue. Examples include alcohol, chlorine, and iodine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Offline medical control includes several methods to reduce the microbial load on items. Two common forms of these methods are disinfection and antisepsis. Disinfection is the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles, and the object is rendered safe for handling, use or disposal. It does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores. Examples of disinfectants include alcohol, chlorine, and formaldehyde.
Antisepsis, on the other hand, is similar to disinfection, but it is geared toward reducing or eliminating pathogens on living tissue, such as skin. By applying antiseptic substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and rubbing alcohol, microorganisms are reduced to levels that minimize the chances of infection. These methods are important in clinical settings to maintain a controlled environment but also play a crucial role in everyday health practices.