PMU Sanitation & Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which government agency sets bloodborne pathogen standards that PMU artists must follow?
- FDA
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- CDC
- EPA
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) governs exposure control in occupational settings including PMU studios.
Question 2: What is the minimum recommended contact time for most hospital-grade disinfectants to be effective on non-porous surfaces?
- 30 seconds
- 10 minutes
- The dwell time listed on the product label (Correct answer)
- 1 minute
Correct answer: The dwell time listed on the product label
The product label specifies the required dwell (wet contact) time for the disinfectant to achieve its rated kill claim.
Question 3: A client discloses they are taking Accutane (isotretinoin). The safest course of action is to:
- Proceed but use a lighter touch
- Postpone the procedure for at least 6–12 months after stopping (Correct answer)
- Apply extra numbing cream and continue
- Patch test and book within 30 days
Correct answer: Postpone the procedure for at least 6–12 months after stopping
Isotretinoin thins and sensitizes skin, impairs healing, and increases scarring risk; most guidelines recommend waiting 6–12 months after the last dose.
Question 4: Single-use PMU needles should be disposed of in a:
- Regular trash lined with a plastic bag
- Biohazard sharps container (Correct answer)
- Sealed zip-lock bag
- Paper bag marked 'sharps'
Correct answer: Biohazard sharps container
All sharps that contact blood or bodily fluids must be discarded in a puncture-resistant, labeled biohazard sharps container.
Question 5: What does the term 'cross-contamination' mean in a PMU context?
- Using two different pigment brands in one session
- Transferring pathogens from a contaminated surface or item to a clean one (Correct answer)
- Applying color over a previous PMU treatment
- Mixing incompatible pigments
Correct answer: Transferring pathogens from a contaminated surface or item to a clean one
Cross-contamination occurs when microorganisms move from a dirty source (skin, used tools, surfaces) to a sterile or clean surface.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes an autoclave sterilization cycle for wrapped instruments?
- 121°C at 15 psi for 15–30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 100°C boiling water for 20 minutes
- 160°C dry heat for 1 hour
- 70% isopropyl alcohol soak for 30 minutes
Correct answer: 121°C at 15 psi for 15–30 minutes
Gravity-displacement autoclaves typically run at 121°C / 250°F and 15 psi for 15–30 minutes to achieve sterilization.
Question 7: Before opening a sterile needle package, the PMU artist should verify:
- The needle gauge matches the machine voltage
- The package seal is intact and the sterilization indicator has changed color (Correct answer)
- The needle was manufactured in the same country as the pigment
- The client has signed a release form
Correct answer: The package seal is intact and the sterilization indicator has changed color
An intact seal and a changed chemical indicator confirm the package was successfully sterilized and has not been compromised.
PMU Sanitation & Safety 2
Which government agency sets bloodborne pathogen standards that PMU artists must follow?