Why must implements be cleaned before they are placed in disinfectant?
- Cleaning makes the disinfectant evaporate more slowly during use
- Soap residue is needed to activate the disinfectant solution
- Cleaning alone already destroys bacterial spores on the tool
- Debris left on the surface can stop the disinfectant working
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D. Debris left on the surface can stop the disinfectant working
Hair, skin, oil and product residue shield microbes and can inactivate or dilute the disinfectant, so the surface must be cleaned first. Cleaning does not destroy spores, and soap residue does not activate disinfectant; it should be rinsed off.
Reference: Infection control: cleaning before disinfecting
Which type of product is intended for reducing microbes on skin rather than on tools and surfaces?
- Detergent
- Antiseptic
- Sterilant
- Disinfectant
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B. Antiseptic
Antiseptics are formulated for use on skin and reduce the number of microbes there. Disinfectants are made for nonporous, non-living surfaces and can irritate or damage skin, so they are never used on a client or as a hand cleaner.
Reference: Infection control: antiseptics versus disinfectants
On a disinfectant label, what does 'contact time' mean?
- How long a tool must air-dry after it is removed from the solution
- How long the user may handle the product before gloves are required
- How long the mixed solution can be stored before it must be thrown out
- How long the surface must stay visibly wet with the product to work
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D. How long the surface must stay visibly wet with the product to work
Contact time is the period, stated on the label, that the item or surface must remain wet with the disinfectant for it to destroy the organisms listed. It is not the shelf life of the mixed solution, which is a separate label direction.
Reference: Infection control: disinfectant contact time