Exam Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers
Milady Standard Cosmetology | Chapter 5: Infection Control – Principles and Practices |
Expert-Verified Q&A | State Board Prep | Safety & Sanitation Standards
Introduction
This document provides fully reviewed and correct questions and answers for Chapter 5 of the
Milady Standard Cosmetology curriculum. Covering key infection control principles such as
disinfection, sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, regulatory compliance, and proper cleaning
procedures, these Q&As support high exam performance and licensing readiness.
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold and green, with clear explanations to reinforce
knowledge of state-regulated safety practices and sanitation protocols.
Milady Chapter 5 Final Review | Verified 2025/2026 Questions |
Infection Control Mastery | Cosmetology Exam Ready
1. What is the most effective level of decontamination in a salon?
a) Cleaning
b) Disinfection
c) Sterilization
d) Sanitation
c) Sterilization
Rationale: Sterilization eliminates all microbial life, including spores, and is the highest level of
decontamination, though often impractical for salon tools.
2. What agency registers all types of disinfectants sold and used in the
United States?
a) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
b) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
c) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
d) Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
b) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
, Rationale: The EPA regulates and registers disinfectants to ensure their safety and efficacy for
public use.
3. What is the first step in responding to a blood exposure incident?
a) Continue the service
b) Stop the service and put on gloves
c) Clean the wound with water
d) Apply disinfectant to the area
b) Stop the service and put on gloves
Rationale: Stopping the service and wearing gloves prevents further exposure to bloodborne
pathogens and ensures safety.
4. What does the term "pathogenic" mean?
a) Non-harmful microorganisms
b) Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection
c) Bacteria that clean surfaces
d) Viruses that are inactive
b) Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection
Rationale: Pathogenic microorganisms are capable of causing illness or infection in humans.
5. What is the proper way to disinfect tools and implements?
a) Wipe with a dry cloth
b) Clean with soap and water, then immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant
c) Soak in water overnight
d) Use hand sanitizer
b) Clean with soap and water, then immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant
Rationale: Cleaning removes debris, and immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant kills
remaining pathogens.
6. What is the definition of sanitation in a salon?
a) Eliminating all microbial life
b) Reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level
c) Killing all viruses
d) Sterilizing surfaces
b) Reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level
Rationale: Sanitation reduces pathogens on surfaces or tools to a level considered safe for public
health.
7. What is a bloodborne pathogen?
a) A microorganism transmitted through air
b) A disease-causing microorganism carried in blood
c) A bacteria found in water
d) A virus spread by touch
b) A disease-causing microorganism carried in blood
Rationale: Bloodborne pathogens, like HIV or hepatitis, are transmitted through blood or bodily
fluids.