Use, Care and Sterilisation of Tools, Equipment and Cosmetics
This domain tests correct selection, cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, storage and maintenance of tools and cosmetics. Questions often ask whether an item is porous, single-use or suitable for an autoclave.
Core rules
- Classify items: porous items such as files, buffers and wooden sticks are difficult to disinfect and should be single-use or discarded when contaminated.
- Non-porous metal tools can be cleaned, disinfected and, where required, autoclaved using a validated cycle.
- The order is: remove debris, wash with detergent, rinse, dry, then disinfect or sterilise.
- Use the correct contact time for disinfectants; do not top up old solution with new.
- Store sterile tools dry and covered; UV cabinets are not a substitute for sterilisation.
- Check cosmetics for expiry date and period-after-opening; do not add water or mix brands.
- Maintain electrical equipment, check cables and keep maintenance records.
Worked example
A nail file and metal nippers are used. Reasoning: the file is porous and cannot be reliably disinfected, so use a fresh file or give it to the client. The nippers are metal, so clean them first, then autoclave and store them dry. Treating both items the same way would fail infection control.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling disinfection sterilisation.
- Using a UV cabinet as the only step.
- Topping up disinfectant instead of replacing it.
- Using expired cosmetics.
- Storing sterile tools in a damp drawer.