**High Level Disinfectant Use**

**Core Concept**
High level disinfectants are chemical agents used to eliminate all forms of microbial life from non-laboratory equipment and surfaces, except for certain bacterial spores. They are typically used in healthcare settings to disinfect medical equipment that comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
High level disinfectants work by denaturing proteins, disrupting cell membranes, and coagulating cell contents. They are often used to disinfect endoscopes, dialysis equipment, and other medical devices that require high levels of sterility. The most commonly used high level disinfectant is glutaraldehyde, which is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because low level disinfectants are used for general cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment, but they are not effective against all forms of microbial life.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because sterilization methods, such as autoclaving, use high temperatures and pressures to kill all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because antiseptics are used to prevent infection on living tissues, but they are not used to disinfect non-laboratory equipment and surfaces.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When using high level disinfectants, it's essential to follow proper protocols to avoid exposure to the chemical, which can cause respiratory and skin irritation.

**Correct Answer: C. Non-laboratory equipment and surfaces.