Which of the following is not a complete sterilization agent?
Sterilization refers to removal of all forms of life, including bacterial spores. This may be accomplished by Physical and Chemical methods. Thus a complete sterilizing agent needs to act on spores also. Out of the choices provided, Glutaraldehyde, Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Hypochlorite, all may act on spores as well. Although alcohols have a wider spectrum, they are not sporicidal - Hence they cannot be referred as Complete Sterilizing agents. Ref: Diagnostic Microbiology, 2nd Edition, Page 29 ; Clinical Microbiology, 7th Edition, Page 145
Glutaraldehyde
Absolute alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Sodium hypochlorite