Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyMedium
A barber is preparing to disinfect a non-porous workstation surface. After cleaning the surface with soap and water, what is the CRITICAL next step to ensure effective disinfection?
- AApply the disinfectant and allow it to air dry.
- BApply the disinfectant and ensure it remains visibly wet for the manufacturer's recommended contact time.
- CDilute the disinfectant with additional water to make it last longer.
- DImmediately wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Apply the disinfectant and ensure it remains visibly wet for the manufacturer's recommended contact time.
For a disinfectant to be effective, it must remain in contact with the surface for a specific duration, known as contact time or dwell time, as recommended by the manufacturer. Ensuring the surface stays wet for this period is crucial.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While air drying might happen, the critical factor is maintaining wetness for the specified contact time, not just air drying.
- C. Diluting the disinfectant beyond the manufacturer's recommendation will render it ineffective and is a dangerous practice.
- D. Wiping dry immediately after applying disinfectant would prevent it from having sufficient contact time to kill pathogens.
Disinfectant Contact Time
The specific period of time a disinfectant must remain visibly wet on a surface to effectively kill the target microorganisms, as directed by the manufacturer.
- Crucial for efficacy
- Surface must remain visibly wet
- Follow manufacturer instructions
Memory trick: Clean, Apply, Keep Wet, Check Time