Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

Which of the following should be used to clean and sterilize implements for blood contamination?

1. Alcohol

2. Bleach solution

3. Hospital-grade disinfectant

4. Soap and water

The correct answer is: Alcohol

The correct answer is to use a hospital-grade disinfectant for cleaning and sterilizing implements that may have come into contact with blood contamination. Hospital-grade disinfectants are specifically formulated to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bloodborne pathogens, which is essential in a salon or spa environment where safety and hygiene are paramount. Using alcohol, while it can disinfect in certain applications, might not be effective against all types of bloodborne pathogens or provide the necessary level of sterility required in a situation involving blood. Bleach solution can be effective as a disinfectant, but it may not be suitable for all tools or surfaces and can be damaging to some materials used in cosmetology tools. Soap and water are important for removing surface dirt and grime but do not provide the level of disinfection required to ensure that implements are safe for use after exposure to blood. Thus, a hospital-grade disinfectant is the most appropriate choice for ensuring that tools are adequately cleaned and sterilized after blood contamination.