California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A salon owner is comparing disinfectant chemistries for daily implement disinfection. Which statement accurately describes quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) commonly used in California salons?
- AThey are effective bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectants but are not sterilants
- BThey are sporicidal and legally qualify as sterilants for metal implements
- CThey require no measured dilution and can be used at any concentration
- DThey are approved only for disinfecting countertops, never implements
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. They are effective bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectants but are not sterilants
Quats are EPA-registered hospital disinfectants effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi when used at label-specified concentrations and contact times, but they do not kill bacterial spores and therefore cannot sterilize. Proper dilution per label instructions is required for effectiveness.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Quats are not sporicidal, so they cannot sterilize implements.
- C. Dilution ratios matter greatly for efficacy; using undiluted or wrong ratios is unsafe/ineffective.
- D. Quats are widely used and approved for implement disinfection in CA salons.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Quats are EPA-registered hospital disinfectants effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi but not bacterial spores, so they disinfect rather than sterilize.
- Must be diluted per manufacturer label
- Effective bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal
- Not sporicidal — cannot achieve sterilization
Memory trick: Quats kill bugs but 'quit' at spores