Final answer:
The disinfectant solution in containers should be changed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The In-Use Test can determine if the solution has been contaminated and needs changing. Antiseptics are used on living tissues, and disinfectants' effectiveness was historically compared to phenol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The solution in disinfectant containers should be changed as directed by the manufacturer. This is the most accurate response because different disinfectants can have varying stability and efficacy over time, which the manufacturer will have determined through extensive testing. Furthermore, an In-Use Test is employed to determine whether disinfectant solutions actively used in a clinical setting are microbially contaminated and whether they are being used correctly. This test checks for the growth of microbial colonies in used disinfectant solutions, and if there is significant growth, it indicates contamination, necessitating a change of solution.
An antiseptic is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection. Antiseptics are applied to living tissues such as skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. In comparison, the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants has historically been compared to that of phenol, which was once a universally used disinfectant with a known efficacy profile.