EC Electrolysis Equipment and Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of current is used exclusively in thermolysis (shortwave) electrolysis?
- Direct current (DC)
- Alternating current (AC) at high frequency (Correct answer)
- Pulsed galvanic current
- Low-frequency AC combined with DC
Correct answer: Alternating current (AC) at high frequency
Thermolysis uses high-frequency alternating current (radio frequency), typically 13.56 MHz, which creates heat through molecular oscillation to destroy the hair follicle.
Question 2: When autoclaving electrolysis probes, what is the standard sterilization cycle for a gravity displacement autoclave?
- 121°C (250°F) for 15–20 minutes at 15 psi (Correct answer)
- 134°C (273°F) for 3–4 minutes at 30 psi
- 100°C (212°F) for 30 minutes at 10 psi
- 160°C (320°F) for 60 minutes at 5 psi
Correct answer: 121°C (250°F) for 15–20 minutes at 15 psi
The standard gravity displacement autoclave cycle is 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 15–20 minutes, which is sufficient to achieve sterilization of electrolysis instruments.
Question 3: What does a flickering or intermittent current output on an epilator most likely indicate?
- The probe is too fine for the current setting
- A loose connection or faulty cord/cable (Correct answer)
- The client's skin resistance is too high
- The unit is operating at the correct intensity
Correct answer: A loose connection or faulty cord/cable
Flickering or intermittent output typically signals a loose or damaged connection in the probe cord, footpedal wire, or internal wiring that disrupts current flow.
Question 4: Which of the following probe materials is considered single-use only and is required in most US states?
- Stainless steel reusable probes
- Gold-plated reusable probes
- One-piece stainless steel disposable probes (Correct answer)
- Platinum-tipped reusable probes
Correct answer: One-piece stainless steel disposable probes
Most US states require single-use disposable probes to prevent cross-contamination and comply with infection control regulations, making reusable probes non-compliant in those jurisdictions.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the 'intensity' versus 'timing' controls on a blend epilator?
- Intensity controls RF frequency; timing controls galvanic voltage
- Intensity controls current strength; timing controls duration of each current application (Correct answer)
- Intensity sets probe temperature; timing sets the cooling interval
- Intensity controls needle depth; timing controls insertion speed
Correct answer: Intensity controls current strength; timing controls duration of each current application
On a blend unit, intensity determines how strong the current is (milliamperage), while timing controls how many seconds each modality is applied per follicle treatment.
Question 6: An electrologist finds that probes are bending during insertion. What is the most likely cause?
- The autoclave temperature was too high during sterilization
- The probe gauge is too coarse for the hair being treated
- The probe is being inserted at an incorrect angle with excessive force (Correct answer)
- The epilator current is set too high
Correct answer: The probe is being inserted at an incorrect angle with excessive force
Probes bend when inserted at an angle that doesn't follow the natural hair follicle channel or when excessive lateral pressure is applied during insertion.
Question 7: What is the recommended cleaning protocol for the electrolysis machine's exterior housing and probe cord?
- Immerse the entire unit in disinfectant solution after each client
- Wipe with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant between clients (Correct answer)
- Use dry heat sterilization on all external surfaces
- No cleaning is required since the cord does not contact the client
Correct answer: Wipe with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant between clients
The exterior housing and probe cord should be wiped with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant between clients as part of standard infection control practice.
EC Electrolysis Equipment and Maintenance 3
What type of current is used exclusively in thermolysis (shortwave) electrolysis?