Is surgical spirit a steriliser or disinfectant?

Surgical spirit is primarily a disinfectant rather than a sterilizer. It typically contains alcohol, which effectively kills many bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and skin, making it suitable for disinfection. However, it does not achieve the complete elimination of all microorganisms required for sterilization, which is a more rigorous process. Therefore, while it can reduce the microbial load, it should not be relied upon for sterilizing surgical instruments or critical medical equipment.