CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 4

Question 1

Sterilization differs from disinfection in that sterilization:

Accepted Answer

Destroys all microbial life including spores

Answer

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores, whereas disinfection kills most but not all microorganisms.

Question 2

An electrologist notices the autoclave reached the correct temperature but the cycle timer failed to complete. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Re-run a full sterilization cycle before using the items

Answer

Both correct temperature AND sufficient time are required to ensure sterilization; if the timer fails, the cycle must be rerun to guarantee efficacy.

Question 3

Which pathogen is most commonly associated with improper probe sterilization in electrolysis, posing a serious infection risk?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains, is the most commonly reported pathogen in skin-penetrating cosmetology-related infections from improperly sterilized instruments.

Question 4

What does OSHA's Exposure Control Plan (ECP) require an employer to review and update?

Accepted Answer

Annually and whenever new tasks or procedures create additional exposure risk

Answer

OSHA mandates that the ECP be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever new tasks or procedures could create additional exposure risks.

Question 5

Which disinfection method is NOT appropriate for electrology probes that will be reused?

Accepted Answer

Immersion in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes

Answer

Alcohol immersion achieves only intermediate-level disinfection, not sterilization, and is not an accepted method for reusable items that penetrate skin.

(CPE) Certified Professional Electrologist Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Professional Electrologist Practice Test

CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 4