Safety & Sanitation Standards Flashcards

Which EPA-registered disinfectant category is required to destroy Mycobacterium tuberculosis on electrology implements?

Answer: Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant

Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectants are required because they demonstrate efficacy against the hardest-to-kill non-spore-forming bacteria, satisfying state board standards for implement disinfection.

When an electrologist accidentally sustains a needlestick injury, the FIRST action should be to:

Answer: Immediately wash the site with soap and water

Immediate thorough washing with soap and water is the first response to a needlestick to reduce pathogen transmission risk before any other steps.

Single-use probe sleeves in electrology are classified as which type of item under Spaulding's classification?

Answer: Critical item

Items that penetrate sterile tissue or the vascular system are critical items under Spaulding's classification and require sterilization or are single-use.

To prevent cross-contamination, what should an electrologist do when removing a probe from its sterile packaging?

Answer: Use sterile forceps or gloves and avoid touching the working tip

Using sterile forceps or gloved hands to handle the probe without touching the tip maintains sterility and prevents introducing pathogens into the follicle.

A sharps container used in an electrology practice must be:

Answer: Puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and properly labeled

OSHA mandates that sharps containers be puncture-resistant, leak-proof on sides and bottom, and labeled with the biohazard symbol.

How often must an autoclave be tested with a biological indicator (spore test) according to best practice standards?

Answer: Weekly

Spore tests with Geobacillus stearothermophilus are recommended weekly to verify that the autoclave is achieving sterilization conditions reliably.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST critical for an electrologist to wear during every electrolysis treatment?

Answer: Gloves and mask

Gloves protect the practitioner from bloodborne pathogens and a mask protects against droplet exposure, fulfilling OSHA's minimum PPE requirements for procedures involving potential blood or body fluid contact.