Which of the following chemical agents is commonly used for sterilization?

• A. Quaternary ammonium compounds
• B. Chlorhexidine
• C. 70% ethanol
• D. Ethylene oxide

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sterilization: Sterilization is the process of completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, from an object or environment.
2. Review the properties of each chemical agent listed: Quaternary ammonium compounds are primarily disinfectants effective against bacteria but not spores; Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used on skin but not a sterilizing agent; 70% ethanol is a disinfectant that kills many microbes but does not reliably kill spores.
3. Recognize that sterilization requires agents capable of killing highly resistant forms like bacterial spores, which many common disinfectants cannot achieve.
4. Identify ethylene oxide as a chemical agent that is widely used for sterilization because it can penetrate materials and kill all microorganisms, including spores, making it suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical equipment.
5. Conclude that among the options, ethylene oxide is the correct choice for sterilization due to its broad-spectrum microbicidal activity and ability to sterilize under low-temperature conditions.