NIC Esthetician Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
An esthetician is preparing to sanitize their workstation after a facial service. Which of the following items requires disinfection rather than mere cleaning?
- APaper towels used to wipe down surfaces
- BTweezers used for extractions
- CCotton pads used to apply toner
- DDisposable headbands
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Tweezers used for extractions
Tweezers are multi-use tools that come into contact with skin and potentially bodily fluids during extractions, requiring a higher level of decontamination than mere cleaning. They must be disinfected to kill pathogens.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Paper towels are single-use items used for cleaning and are discarded.
- C. Cotton pads are single-use items and are disposed of, not disinfected.
- D. Disposable headbands are single-use items and are discarded after use.
Disinfection of Multi-Use Tools
Multi-use tools that come into contact with skin or bodily fluids must be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
- Required for non-porous, multi-use tools.
- Eliminates most, but not all, pathogenic microorganisms.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for contact time.
Memory trick: Clean for show, Disinfect for go, Sterilize for glow.