Infection Control and Safety
What this domain tests
Infection control questions ask you to classify a task, pick the correct agent, and follow contact time. Safety questions cover chemical handling, ventilation, ergonomics, and blood exposure.
Core rules
- Cleaning removes visible soil; disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores.
- Reusable implements that contact skin or nails must be cleaned, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant mixed and timed exactly as the label states. If blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) is present, use a product with a tuberculocidal claim.
- Porous items-files, buffers, wooden sticks, nail brushes, cotton-cannot be reliably disinfected. Use once and discard or give to the client.
- Wash hands before and after every client; glove when blood may be present; never double-dip; place sharps in a rigid container.
- Keep a safety data sheet (SDS) for every chemical; ventilate monomer and polish areas; store flammables away from heat.
Worked example
A client’s cuticle is nicked and bleeding. Stop, put on gloves, control the bleeding, and discard the file and buffer used. Clean the reusable nipper, then immerse it in an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim for the full label contact time. Reasoning: blood raises the required disinfectant level, and porous items cannot be disinfected, so they cannot be reused.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling a UV cabinet or “sanitizer” a sterilizer.
- Saying disinfection kills spores-sterilization does.
- Spraying a porous file and reusing it.
- Ignoring label contact time or using an over-diluted solution.