Which of the following is NOT a type of germicide?

Antiseptics are substances that reduce the possibility of infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on living tissues, such as skin, but they are not classified as germicides. Germicides are agents specifically designed to kill pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are typically used on inanimate objects or surfaces.

Peracetic acid and formaldehyde are well-known germicides. Both are utilized in various sterilization processes for instruments and surfaces, effective against a wide range of pathogens. On the other hand, heat disinfection using citric acid can enhance the efficacy of high-temperature disinfection processes, but citric acid itself does not function as a germicide on its own without the application of heat.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in identifying the appropriate agents for infection control, as antiseptics serve a different purpose compared to true germicidal agents.