CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which EPA-registered disinfectant category is required to destroy Mycobacterium tuberculosis on electrology implements?
- Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Bacteriostatic solution
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Quaternary ammonium at low dilution
Correct 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.
Question 2: When an electrologist accidentally sustains a needlestick injury, the FIRST action should be to:
- Complete the treatment and then report
- Immediately wash the site with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply an antiseptic and continue the service
- Report to the state board before doing anything else
Correct 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.
Question 3: Single-use probe sleeves in electrology are classified as which type of item under Spaulding's classification?
- Critical item (Correct answer)
- Semi-critical item
- Non-critical item
- Disposable utility item
Correct 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.
Question 4: To prevent cross-contamination, what should an electrologist do when removing a probe from its sterile packaging?
- Handle it with bare hands only at the non-working end
- Use sterile forceps or gloves and avoid touching the working tip (Correct answer)
- Rinse it with distilled water before insertion
- Wipe it with an alcohol pad immediately before use
Correct 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.
Question 5: A sharps container used in an electrology practice must be:
- Clear plastic so contents are visible
- Puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and properly labeled (Correct answer)
- Sealed with tape when half full
- Emptied and reused after autoclaving
Correct 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.
Question 6: How often must an autoclave be tested with a biological indicator (spore test) according to best practice standards?
- Daily
- Weekly (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Annually
Correct answer: Weekly
Spore tests with Geobacillus stearothermophilus are recommended weekly to verify that the autoclave is achieving sterilization conditions reliably.
Question 7: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST critical for an electrologist to wear during every electrolysis treatment?
- Safety goggles only
- Gloves and mask (Correct answer)
- Face shield and lab coat
- Gloves alone are sufficient
Correct 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.
CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 2
Which EPA-registered disinfectant category is required to destroy Mycobacterium tuberculosis on electrology implements?