Questions & Answers
Infection control - ANSWERSThe methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission
of infectious organisms. (4 types of harmful organisms; bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
parasites)
Disinfection - ANSWERSDestroys MOST bacteria, but not bacterial spores; disinfecting
tools (disinfectants must be bactericidal; capable of destroying bacteria; virucidal,
capable of destroying viruses; and fungicidal, capable of destroying . Pesticides & can
be harmful)
Contamination - ANSWERSThe presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of
blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item's surface or visible debris or
residues such as dust, hair, and skin.
Decomtamination - ANSWERSThe removal of blood or other potentially infectious
materials on an item's surface and the removal of visible debris or residues such as
dust, hair, and skin.
Occupational disease - ANSWERSIllness resulting from conditions associated with
employment, such as prolonged and repeated overexposure to certain products or
ingredients.
Parasitic disease - ANSWERSDisease caused by parasites, such as lice and mites.
Scabies - ANSWERSContagious skin disease transmitted by the itch mite, which
burrows under the skin
Natural Immunity - ANSWERSImmunity that is partly inherited and partly developed
through healthy living.
Acquired immunity - ANSWERSImmunity that the body develops after it overcomes a
disease, or through inoculation (such as vaccination) or through exposure to natural
allergens such as pollen, cat dander, and ragweed.
Open hinged implements - ANSWERSBrush grooved items, and open hinged
implements to scrub
Ways to clean your tools/implements - ANSWERS1. Washing with soap and warm
water, then scrubbing them with a clean and properly disinfected nail brush.
2. Using ultrasonic unit
3. Using a clean solvent
, * - ANSWERSIf the label does NOT have the word concentrate in it, the product is
already mixed.
Bioburden - ANSWERSThe number of viable organisms in or on an object or surface or
the organic material on a surface or object before decontamination or sterilization.
Phenolic disinfectants - ANSWERSPowerful tuberculocidal disinfectants. They are a
form of formaldehyde, have a very high pH, and can damage the skin and eyes. (AKA
carcinogens)
Multiuse - ANSWERSAlso known as reusable; items that can be cleaned, disinfected,
and used on more than one person, even if the item is accidentally exposed to blood or
body fluid.
Single-use - ANSWERSAlso known as disposable; items that cannot be used more than
once. These items cannot be properly cleaned so that all visible residue is removed -
such as pumice stones used for pedicures - or they are damaged or contaminated by
cleaning and disinfecting.
Porous - ANSWERS(adj.) Full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water
Cross contamination - ANSWERSoccurs when you, the esthetician, touch an object or
product with the same hand or utensil
Aseptic procedures - ANSWERSThe process of properly handling sterilize and
disinfected equipment and supplies to reduce contamination.
BSI (Body Substance Isolation) - ANSWERSAssumes that all substances are infectious,
procedures are set by OSHA and local policy. Developed in 1987.
PPE (personal protective equipment) - ANSWERSIs to be worn for contact with all body
fluids, even if blood is not visible.
Standard precautions (SP) - ANSWERSPrecautions such as wearing personal
protective equipment to prevent skin and mucous membranes where contact with the
client's blood, body fluids, secretions (except sweat), excretions, non-intact skin, breast
milk and mucous membranes is likely. Workers must assume that all blood and body
fluids are potential sources of infection, regardless of the perceived risk.
Mycobacterium fortuitum - ANSWERSA microscopic germ that normally exists in tap
water in small numbers.
Methicillin - ANSWERSResistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) type of infectious
bacteria that is highly resistant to conventional treatments such as antibiotics.