Which of the following is not a complete sterilization agent?
Glutaraldehyde
Absolute alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Sodium hypochlorite
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