Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyMedium
A barber is preparing to sterilize metal tools that have been used on a client with a suspected fungal infection. Which method is MOST effective for achieving sterilization?
- AWashing with soap and water, then drying thoroughly.
- BPlacing the tools in an autoclave.
- CImmersing in an EPA-registered disinfectant for 10 minutes.
- DSpraying with an antiseptic solution.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Placing the tools in an autoclave.
Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination, destroying all microbial life, including spores. An autoclave uses steam under pressure to achieve this, which is the most effective method for sterilizing heat-tolerant tools.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Washing with soap and water is cleaning, which removes debris but does not kill all microorganisms or achieve sterilization.
- C. Disinfection kills most microbes but does not achieve sterilization, which is necessary for fungal spores.
- D. Antiseptics are for skin and do not achieve sterilization of tools; they only reduce microbes on living tissue.
Sterilization
The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores, on an object or surface.
- Highest level of decontamination.
- Essential for critical items that penetrate skin or mucous membranes.
- Autoclaves are a primary method for sterilization.
Memory trick: Clean for clear, Disinfect for less, Sterilize for zero stress.