The use of an antiseptic on the skin is an example of which level of decontamination?

Using an antiseptic on the skin is an example of sanitation. Sanitation refers to the process of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, as established by public health standards. Antiseptics are substances intended to be applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. They are effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, making the skin safer for procedures or daily hygiene.

This contrasts with disinfection, which generally refers to chemical products that destroy or inhibit microbial growth on inanimate surfaces, or sterilization, which is the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including spores, on surfaces or instruments. Cleaning involves the removal of dirt and debris but does not necessarily kill microorganisms. In this context, using antiseptics aligns with the goal of sanitation in maintaining hygienic conditions on the skin.