Cosmetology · Infection Control and Safety

Which of the following is a single-use (disposable) item that must be thrown away after one client?

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Correct answer

An emery board or wooden manicure stick

A An emery board or wooden manicure stick
B Metal shears
C A metal comb
D A nail file made of cleanable material that can be disinfected

Why this is the answer

Single-use (disposable) items are those that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected and must be thrown away after one use or one client — examples include emery boards (the porous cardboard kind), wooden manicure/orangewood sticks, cotton, and disposable gloves. Multi-use (reusable) items, such as metal shears, combs, and metal-core implements, are made of materials that can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse. Knowing which category a tool falls into is essential for preventing cross-contamination and is commonly tested.

Source: Scientific Concepts — Single vs Multi-Use Items

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About this topic: Infection Control and Safety

Infection control questions cover the types of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), how infection spreads in a salon, Standard Precautions, and the salon professional's responsibilities. This is the most heavily tested theory topic in every state. This is one of 11 Scientific Concepts questions on infection control and safety, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Cosmetology exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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Which of the following is a single-use (disposable) item that must be thrown away after one client?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Infection Control and Safety

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