Cosmetology · Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization

Which statement about sterilization versus disinfection in salons is correct?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is rarely required in salons; disinfection destroys most pathogens and is the salon standard

A Disinfection destroys more than sterilization
B Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is rarely required in salons; disinfection destroys most pathogens and is the salon standard
C Salons must sterilize all tools
D They are the same thing

Why this is the answer

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, and is mainly used for medical instruments; it is rarely required for general salon services. Disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces and is the standard level of decontamination salons use for reusable implements after cleaning. The two are not the same, and disinfection (not sterilization) is what most salon rules require. Distinguishing these levels — and knowing the salon standard is clean-then-disinfect — is a frequently tested scientific-concepts point.

Source: Scientific Concepts — Sterilization vs Disinfection

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About this topic: Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization

Sanitation, disinfection and sterilization are three different levels of cleanliness, and the exam tests which is required for which tool, which products achieve each level, contact times, and how to handle blood exposure. This is one of 9 Scientific Concepts questions on sanitation, disinfection and sterilization, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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Which statement about sterilization versus disinfection in salons is correct?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization

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