Sanitation, Disinfection, and Infection Control
What the domain tests
This domain tests infection-control tiers, EPA-registered disinfectants, contact time, single-use items, hand hygiene, and blood-exposure response. The exam distinguishes cleaning from disinfection and disinfection from sterilization.
Core rules and concepts
- Cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores.
- For reusable implements, clean first with soap and water, scrub hinges, dry, then immerse in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim. Follow the label contact time exactly.
- Single-use items include cotton, spatulas, wax strips, lancets, gloves, and mascara wands; discard after one client.
- Wash hands before and after gloves; gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Change gloves between clients and after contamination.
- Blood exposure: stop service, don gloves, clean and disinfect the area, dispose of contaminated materials in a biohazard container, and report per facility policy.
Worked example
A metal extraction tool falls on the floor. Reasoning: it is contaminated. Pick it up with gloves or tongs; remove debris with soap and water; dry; completely immerse in the labeled hospital-grade disinfectant for the full contact time; remove, rinse if directed, dry, and store in a covered clean container. An alcohol wipe is not enough for a dropped implement.
Traps that cost marks
Using sanitize and disinfect interchangeably; shortening contact time; storing clean tools in a dirty tray; double-dipping spatulas; relying on UV cabinets as a substitute for chemical disinfection.