NIC Nail Technician Written ExamSafety and RegulationsEasy

A nail technician is preparing their station for the next client. Which of the following items, if found on the station, must be immediately discarded and replaced with a new, clean item according to general sanitation guidelines?

  1. AA multi-use nail file that has been disinfected.
  2. BA porous emery board used on the previous client.
  3. CA metal cuticle pusher that has been sterilized.
  4. DA glass dappen dish that has been cleaned and disinfected.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. A porous emery board used on the previous client.

Porous items like emery boards cannot be effectively disinfected or sterilized and are considered single-use. They must be discarded after each client to prevent cross-contamination.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Multi-use tools can be disinfected if they are non-porous.
  • C. Metal tools can be sterilized and reused.
  • D. Non-porous items like glass dappen dishes can be cleaned and disinfected.

Single-Use Porous Items

Items made of porous materials that cannot be properly disinfected or sterilized and must be discarded after a single use on a client.

  • Cannot be disinfected.
  • Must be discarded after each client.
  • Examples include emery boards, toe separators, and cotton balls.

Memory trick: Porous PALS are put in the trash, not passed along.

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