Question 1

What is the difference between sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation in a salon setting?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores using an autoclave; disinfection kills most pathogens (not spores) using an EPA-registered chemical; sanitation merely reduces microorganism counts using soap and water.

Question 2

Which level of infection control is legally required for non-porous salon implements such as metal nippers and tweezers between clients?

Accepted Answer

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfection is required for non-porous implements; tools must first be cleaned of all debris with soap and water, then fully submerged in disinfectant solution for the manufacturer's specified contact time.

Question 3

Why is a UV light cabinet NOT considered an acceptable disinfection method for salon implements by most state boards?

Accepted Answer

UV light cabinets provide only sanitation-level pathogen reduction because UV rays cannot penetrate surfaces or reach shadowed areas on tools, meaning they do not meet the EPA-registered disinfection standard required between clients.

Question 4

After completing a facial, an esthetician notices a small red abrasion on the client cheek that was not visible at intake and likely resulted from extraction pressure. What is the correct protocol?

Accepted Answer

Discard all single-use items used during the facial, disinfect all non-porous implements that contacted the facial area, clean and sanitize the treatment table, and document the incident in the client record with a note to assess healing at the next appointment.

Question 5

An esthetician submerges metal tweezers in EPA-registered disinfectant and starts a timer. Four minutes into the required 10-minute contact time, a client arrives early and asks to begin immediately. What must the esthetician do?

Accepted Answer

Wait until the full 10-minute contact time is completed before using the implements. Removing them early voids the disinfection — using incompletely disinfected tools violates state board infection control standards and creates a pathogen transmission risk.

NIC Esthetics Exam: Infection Control & Safety

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