Sanitation, Sterilization, and Infection Control
The three levels of decontamination
Every sanitation question reduces to one decision: what level of decontamination does this item require? Cleaning removes visible debris and is always step one. Disinfection destroys most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, and is required for anything that penetrates skin or contacts blood.
Sorting implements
Use this rule of thumb: penetrates skin or touches blood → sterilize; nonporous and touches only intact skin → hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant; porous items (towels, capes, neck strips) → single-use or launder after each client. An autoclave typically runs at 15 psi and 250°F (121°C) for 15–20 minutes, but the manufacturer's instructions always govern.
Traps the exam loves
- Being EPA-registered is not enough by itself. For items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious material, the label must carry a tuberculocidal claim; a low-level quat spray may not qualify.
- Alcohol and UV cabinets are not accepted as the sole method for blood-contaminated implements.
- Contact time comes from the label - usually 10 minutes, but not always - so exam questions often quote a label rather than a fixed rule.
- Clippers are not immersed. Use an EPA-registered spray or wipe, and disinfect removable blades separately only if the label allows immersion.
- Standard Precautions means treating every client's blood and body fluids as infectious, regardless of appearance.
Worked example
You nick a client while edging and the clipper blade has blood on it. What now? Stop, glove up, remove visible debris, then clean and sterilize the blade (autoclave or another approved method) and wipe the clipper housing with the correct disinfectant. Disinfection alone is not enough once there has been blood exposure.