California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
During a pedicure, a technician uses a foam toe separator on a client. According to California regulations, what must be done with this item immediately after the service?
- AWash it with soap and air-dry for future use
- BSoak it in disinfectant for reuse on the next client
- CDiscard it immediately; it cannot be reused
- DWipe it down and place it back in the supply drawer
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Discard it immediately; it cannot be reused
Porous, single-use items such as foam toe separators, wood sticks, cotton, and emery boards cannot be effectively disinfected and must be discarded after use on each client to prevent cross-contamination.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Washing alone does not meet disinfection standards for porous materials.
- B. Porous items cannot be properly disinfected by soaking, so reuse is prohibited.
- D. Wiping does not sanitize a porous item enough for reuse.
Single-Use Items
Porous or absorbent items that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected must be discarded after use on a single client.
- Examples: foam separators, wood sticks, cotton pads, emery boards
- Cannot be soaked/disinfected effectively due to porous material
- Must be disposed of in a covered waste container
- Reusing these items is a licensing violation in CA
Memory trick: 'Porous = Pitch it' — one client, one use, then toss.