Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

Which of the following is a key difference between insulated and non-insulated probes in electrolysis?

Answer: Insulated probes concentrate current delivery at the uninsulated tip, reducing superficial skin damage

Insulated probes restrict current emission to the exposed tip, which focuses energy at the follicle base while reducing current spread to surrounding superficial tissue.

During routine equipment checks, the electrologist finds the epilator's intensity dial is stuck and cannot be adjusted smoothly. The correct response is to:

Answer: Tag the equipment out of service and arrange for professional repair

A malfunctioning intensity control is a safety hazard that could deliver incorrect current levels; the unit must be removed from service until repaired by a qualified technician.

Which electrolysis modality produces sodium hydroxide (lye) as part of its mechanism of follicle destruction?

Answer: Galvanic electrolysis

Galvanic electrolysis passes DC current through tissue, causing electrolysis of water and salts to produce sodium hydroxide, which chemically destroys the follicle.

When using an epilator with a digital display, '0.3 mA' indicated on the galvanic setting means:

Answer: The DC current output is three-tenths of one milliampere

Milliamperage (mA) on a galvanic display refers to the DC current intensity, with 0.3 mA being a typical low-to-moderate setting for fine facial hair.

A cracked or broken probe holder (handpiece) presents which primary safety risk?

Answer: Exposed internal wiring creating risk of electrical shock to the operator or client

A cracked handpiece can expose live internal conductors, creating a direct risk of electrical shock to both the electrologist and client.

The electrolysis unit's output should be verified using an appropriate meter before treating a new client because:

Answer: Equipment drift or component aging may cause actual output to differ from the displayed setting

Electronic components can drift over time, causing the actual output to deviate from the indicated setting; periodic meter verification ensures treatment accuracy and safety.

Which of the following describes 'galvanic polarity' in electrolysis equipment?

Answer: The assignment of positive (+) and negative (-) poles in the DC galvanic circuit, with the probe at the negative pole

In galvanic electrolysis, the probe serves as the negative pole (cathode), where the electrochemical reaction produces hydroxide ions that destroy the follicle.