PMU Sterilization & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hepatitis virus is most commonly transmitted through contaminated PMU needles and poses the greatest risk to practitioners?
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
Correct answer: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is the most transmissible bloodborne pathogen via needlestick injuries and is a primary occupational hazard for PMU artists.
Question 2: What does the term 'single-use' mean in the context of PMU needles?
- The needle can be reused on the same client only
- The needle is used once and immediately discarded in a sharps container (Correct answer)
- The needle can be sterilized in an autoclave between uses
- The needle lasts for one full appointment regardless of number of passes
Correct answer: The needle is used once and immediately discarded in a sharps container
Single-use needles must be disposed of in an approved sharps container immediately after use on one client and must never be reused.
Question 3: When performing a PMU procedure, at what point should gloves be changed?
- Only after the procedure is completely finished
- Every 30 minutes regardless of contamination
- If they become torn, contaminated, or when touching non-sterile surfaces (Correct answer)
- Only when switching between different pigment colors
Correct answer: If they become torn, contaminated, or when touching non-sterile surfaces
Gloves must be changed whenever they are torn, visibly contaminated, or when the practitioner touches any non-sterile surface to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 4: What is the proper method for disposing of a used PMU needle cartridge?
- Wrap in paper towels and place in regular trash
- Place in a puncture-resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Soak in bleach solution then discard in trash
- Return to the manufacturer for disposal
Correct answer: Place in a puncture-resistant sharps container
Used needle cartridges must be placed immediately in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container to protect against needlestick injuries.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the chain of infection in a PMU setting?
- Pathogen → reservoir → portal of exit → mode of transmission → portal of entry → susceptible host (Correct answer)
- Host → pathogen → environment → treatment → recovery
- Needle → client → pigment → equipment → practitioner
- Contamination → sterilization → disinfection → sanitation
Correct answer: Pathogen → reservoir → portal of exit → mode of transmission → portal of entry → susceptible host
Breaking any link in the chain of infection — pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission, portal of entry, or susceptible host — can prevent disease spread.
Question 6: A client arrives for PMU with an active cold sore. What is the correct course of action?
- Proceed carefully, avoiding the sore area
- Postpone the procedure until the outbreak has fully resolved (Correct answer)
- Apply a topical anesthetic over the sore and proceed
- Cover the sore with a bandage and continue
Correct answer: Postpone the procedure until the outbreak has fully resolved
Active cold sores (HSV-1) are a contraindication; PMU procedures must be postponed until the outbreak has completely healed to avoid spreading the virus.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of using a barrier film (plastic wrap) on PMU equipment during a procedure?
- To keep equipment sterile before opening
- To protect non-sterilizable surfaces from blood and pigment contamination (Correct answer)
- To improve the grip on the PMU machine
- To prevent pigment from staining the equipment permanently
Correct answer: To protect non-sterilizable surfaces from blood and pigment contamination
Barrier films protect surfaces that cannot be sterilized (like PMU machines and lamp handles) from blood and pigment contamination during procedures.
PMU Sterilization & Infection Control 2
Which hepatitis virus is most commonly transmitted through contaminated PMU needles and poses the greatest risk to practitioners?