NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A barber is preparing to clean their workstation after a client with a known fungal infection of the scalp (tinea capitis). Which level of decontamination is required for the non-porous tools and surfaces that came into contact with the client?
- ASanitation
- BDisinfection
- CAntisepsis
- DSterilization
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Disinfection
When dealing with known fungal infections, disinfection is the appropriate level of decontamination for non-porous tools and surfaces. Disinfection kills most harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but not bacterial spores.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sanitation is the lowest level, primarily reducing pathogens, not eliminating them sufficiently for fungal infections.
- C. Antisepsis refers to reducing pathogens on living tissue, not inanimate objects.
- D. Sterilization is the highest level, killing all microbial life, including spores, typically used for invasive medical tools.
Levels of Decontamination
Methods used to remove or destroy pathogens on surfaces or living tissue, ranging from basic cleaning to complete microbial destruction.
- Sanitation: Reduces microbes.
- Disinfection: Kills most microbes on surfaces.
- Sterilization: Kills all microbes, including spores.
Memory trick: SSS: Sanitation is Simple, Disinfection is Serious, Sterilization is Supreme.