Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety
What the exam tests
Know the three levels: sanitation (cleaning, lowers count), disinfection (kills most pathogens on hard nonporous surfaces), and sterilization (destroys all microorganisms including spores). Know which EPA-registered disinfectant is appropriate, contact time, and the difference between porous and nonporous implements. Understand universal precautions, handwashing, gloves, blood exposure protocol, and safe handling of chemicals (SDS, ventilation, no food or drink at the station). Know electrical and fire safety basics.
Traps to watch
The biggest trap: confusing disinfection with sterilization. Another: assuming an implement is clean because it looks clean-visible debris must be removed before disinfection or the disinfectant fails. Porous items (cotton, wooden sticks, some files) cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded. Do not mix chemicals; store in labeled containers. A client with a cut or rash may require service refusal. Also watch for questions about whether a licensee must wear gloves-bloodborne pathogen exposure requires them.
Worked example
A metal nipper is dropped and has visible debris. Rule of thumb: clean with soap and water, dry, then fully immerse in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the manufacturer's contact time, then store in a clean covered container. Skipping the cleaning step invalidates the disinfection.
Rule of thumb
Clean first, disinfect second, sterilize only when required; when in doubt, discard porous items.