Disinfectants differ in their spectrum of activity.
They do not kill the tubercle bacillus or spores. Antiseptic is a chemical agent that either kills pathogenic microorganisms or inhibits their growth as long as there is contact between agent and microbe. Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms including all bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores with the use of either chemical or physical agents. They can be used for disinfection or sterilization depending upon the time allowed for instrument contact. Cidex requires 6.5 hours of contact time for sterilization.