Infection Control & Sanitation Flashcards

Which term describes a chemical that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissue?

Answer: Antiseptic

Antiseptics are formulated for use on living skin or tissue, while disinfectants are for inanimate surfaces.

A nail technician notices a client has a green discoloration under a nail enhancement. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Pseudomonas bacterial infection

Green discoloration under nail enhancements is a classic sign of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection.

What is the minimum contact time typically required for an EPA-registered disinfectant to be effective on implements?

Answer: The full time listed on the product label

The EPA requires that disinfectants be used according to label directions, which specify the required contact time for efficacy.

Which hepatitis virus is most commonly associated with occupational exposure risk through needlesticks or blood contact in a salon setting?

Answer: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is highly transmissible through bloodborne contact and is the primary occupational concern in environments where skin breaks can occur.

When using a disinfectant solution, implements should be completely submerged to ensure:

Answer: All surfaces are exposed to the disinfectant

Complete submersion ensures that all surfaces, including crevices, come into full contact with the disinfectant for proper decontamination.

A client arrives with an active cold sore (herpes labialis). What is the safest course of action?

Answer: Reschedule the appointment until the sore has healed

Active herpes lesions are highly contagious; service should be rescheduled to prevent cross-contamination of tools and spread to others.

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard primarily require nail salons to maintain?

Answer: An Exposure Control Plan

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates that employers with occupational exposure risk maintain a written Exposure Control Plan.