Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

A product containing antiseptic reaches which level of decontamination?

1. Disinfection

2. Sterilization

3. Sanitation

4. Cleaning

The correct answer is: Sanitation

Antiseptics are used to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on skin or living tissue and are typically stronger than products used for sanitation and cleaning. Disinfection and sterilization refer to processes that eliminate all microorganisms, but disinfection only reduces the number of microorganisms to a level that is not harmful to health, while sterilization completely eliminates all microorganisms on surfaces or objects. Cleaning, on the other hand, refers to the physical removal of dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces and does not necessarily involve the use of any antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the use of antiseptics would only achieve the level of decontamination known as sanitation, which reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level.