California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A salon manager wants to rank infection-control methods from least to most effective. Which sequence correctly represents the levels of decontamination used in California salons?
- ASanitation, sterilization, disinfection
- BDisinfection, sanitation, sterilization
- CSanitation, disinfection, sterilization
- DSterilization, disinfection, sanitation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Sanitation, disinfection, sterilization
Decontamination levels increase in effectiveness: sanitation (lowering microbe numbers, e.g., handwashing), disinfection (killing most bacteria, viruses, fungi on surfaces, required by CA for tools), and sterilization (killing all forms of life, e.g., autoclaving, used mainly in medical settings).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Places sterilization before disinfection, which is incorrect ordering.
- B. Places disinfection before sanitation, reversing the correct order.
- D. Lists sterilization first, which is actually the highest level, not lowest.
Levels of Decontamination
Three increasing levels of pathogen removal used in cosmetology: sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.
- Sanitation: reduces germs to a safe level (e.g., handwashing, soap)
- Disinfection: kills most bacteria/viruses/fungi on nonporous surfaces
- Sterilization: kills all microbial life, including spores (autoclave); not routinely required in CA salons
Memory trick: 'Soap, Spray, Sterile' — climbing the cleanliness ladder.