Lesson 4

Question 1

Explain disinfection

Answer 1

The process of killing microorganisms by physical or chemical means

Disinfection kills a large percentage of bacteria, fungi, and fungal spores

There are different levels of disinfection

Question 2

What is the main drawback to using a disinfectant?

Answer 2

It cannot kill spores

Question 3

Chemical means of disinfectant

Answer 3

When choosing a chemical disinfectant, you will want a hospital grade “tuberculoidal disinfectant”

Tuberculoidal means that it can kill the TB bacillus - which is one of the most difficult bacteria to destroy

Look for disinfectants that are rust resistant - otherwise instruments will be damaged

Question 4

Mixing of chlorine (bleach)
Making a solution

Intermediate level

Answer 4

1 to 100 dilution of 5.25% bleach to water

Mix 5ml of bleach with 495 ml of water
OR
Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with 2 cups of water

• minimum contact time is 10 minutes

Question 5

Mixing of chlorine (bleach)
Making a solution

High level

Answer 5

1 to 10 dilution of 5.25% bleach to water

Mix 50ml of bleach with 450ml of water
OR
Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 2 1/4 cups of water

• minimum contact time is 10 minutes

Question 6

What works best for blood spills?

Answer 6

1:10 bleach solution

Question 7

Antiseptics

Answer 7

Antiseptics will limit or reduce bacterial growth but they will not kill bacteria, spores, or viruses

Used on the skin as they are milder
Example: alcohol

Some disinfectants can also be used if diluted to the right strength

Question 8

Improper dilution cautionary of antiseptics and disinfectants

Answer 8

If excessively diluted, they can feed the bacteria instead of killing them

Using incorrect dilution can stimulate the development of strains which are resistant to the disinfectant being used

If antiseptics are used at a strength greater than recommended, they can cause chemical burning of the skin

Question 9

Sterilization

Answer 9

Sterilization is the destruction of all microorganisms

Bacterial, viral, and fungal forms including their spores

Question 10

When should you sterilize, disinfect or use antiseptics?

Answer 10

Always sterilize your tools before each client

Question 11

If an esthetician is protecting against bacteria, fungi, and fungal spores what method should you use?

Answer 11

Disinfection and antiseptic

Question 12

If an esthetician is protecting against viruses or bacterial spores what method should you use?

Answer 12

Sterilization

Question 13

Which viruses do spa therapists have to guard against?

Answer 13

Those which are spread by blood to blood contact

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Question 14

Explain Pre- cleaning

Answer 14

Whether items are to be sterilized or disinfected, they should be pre-cleaned by scrubbing in hot soapy water

(Itself a method of disinfection)

Use liquid only as hard soaps leave deposits

Question 15

What are approved methods of sterilization?

Answer 15

Autoclave

Dry heat

Chemical autoclave

Chemical sterilizing agents

Question 16

What is the autoclave?

Answer 16

Uses a combination of hot steam and pressure to sterilize instruments

Water under normal atmospheric pressure boils at 100 degrees; if pressure is applied the boiling point raises - it can be made to rise to temperatures which kill all microorganisms, their spores, and viruses

Question 17

What is the only type of autoclave that can be used with total safety?

Answer 17

An electrical one which has a fully automatic cycle

Question 18

How exactly does the autoclave work?

Answer 18

A measured amount of water is placed into the autoclave

Prewashed tools are placed on the rack above the water so that steam can circulate