What is the primary use of isopropyl alcohol in healthcare settings?

Isopropyl alcohol is primarily used as an antiseptic in healthcare settings. Antiseptics are substances that are applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Isopropyl alcohol, typically in concentrations of 70%, effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin, making it an excellent choice for hand hygiene and skin preparation before medical procedures.

In addition to its antiseptic qualities, isopropyl alcohol has rapid evaporation properties, which allows it to act quickly without leaving a residue. This is particularly important in healthcare, where maintaining sterile or clean conditions is crucial for patient safety.

While isopropyl alcohol can also function as a disinfectant on surfaces, its primary role in healthcare, especially in pre-procedural skin disinfection and hand sanitization, aligns more closely with its classification as an antiseptic. The significance of its use in this context underscores its vital role in infection control practices within healthcare environments.