What is the main function of an antiseptic?

The main function of an antiseptic is to prevent infection. Antiseptics are chemical agents used on living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. They work by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on the skin or mucous membranes, making them essential in medical settings for wound care, surgical procedures, and hand hygiene.

In contrast, sterilization refers specifically to the elimination of all microbial life, which is the primary purpose of agents used to sterilize surgical instruments. Promoting bacterial growth contradicts the purpose of an antiseptic, while measuring microbial activity involves different techniques, such as culturing or utilizing devices that provide quantitative data regarding microorganisms, rather than inhibiting or killing them. Thus, the correct reasoning for choosing the option related to preventing infection is rooted in the direct role that antiseptics play in maintaining hygiene and health.