Infection Control

Infection Control

Efforts to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Disinfection

A procedure that kills certain pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) on nonporous surfaces, tools, and multi-use supplies.

Cleaning

The removal of surface or visible debris and potential pathogens using soap, detergent, or chemical cleaner.

Sterilization

The highest level of infection control that kills all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, the agency that approves products used for infection control.

Contact Time

The amount of time a disinfecting product needs to be in direct contact with an item or surface while remaining wet to be effective.

Sanitizer

A chemical product used to reduce pathogens on nonporous surfaces.

Antiseptic

A product applied to the skin to reduce pathogens.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Potentially infectious micro-organisms transmitted through human blood.

Aseptic Procedure

Methods used to minimize contamination through proper handling of disinfected and sterile tools.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

A group of disinfectants most used in nail salons on nonporous surfaces.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documents that provide information about the safety and hazards of chemical products.

Fungicidal

Disinfectants that are used to destroy fungi.

Bactericidal

Disinfectants that kill bacteria.

Virucidal

Disinfectants that kill viruses.

Single-use Items

Items that cannot be properly disinfected and must be discarded after use.

Multi-use Items

Nonporous items that can be disinfected and reused.

Infection Control

Efforts to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Disinfection

A procedure that kills certain pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) on nonporous surfaces, tools, and multi-use supplies.

Cleaning

The removal of surface or visible debris, organic materials, and potential pathogens using soap, detergent, or chemical cleaner.

Sterilization

The highest level of infection control that kills all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, the agency that approves products used for infection control.

Contact Time

The amount of time a disinfecting product needs to be in direct contact with an item or surface while remaining wet to be effective.

Sanitizer

A chemical product used to reduce pathogens on nonporous surfaces.

Antiseptic

A product applied to the skin to reduce pathogens.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Potentially infectious micro-organisms transmitted through human blood.

Aseptic Procedure

Methods used to minimize contamination through proper handling of disinfected and sterile tools.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

A category of disinfectants used on nonporous surfaces that are usually able to disinfect within 10 minutes.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documents that provide information about the safety and hazards of chemical products.

Fungicidal

Disinfectants that are used to destroy fungi.

Bactericidal

Disinfectants that kill bacteria.

Virucidal

Disinfectants that kill viruses.

Single-use Items

Items that cannot be properly disinfected and must be discarded after use.

Multi-use Items

Nonporous items that can be disinfected and reused.

OSHA

The agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that creates and enforces safety and health standards in the workplace.

Cross-Contamination

The unintentional transfer of harmful bacteria or viruses from one person, object, or surface to another.

Efficacy Label

A required label that informs the user about exactly what pathogens a disinfectant product is effective against.

Porous

Describes materials that have tiny openings that allow liquids to be absorbed; these items are generally single-use.

Decontamination

The multi-step process of cleaning and then disinfecting (or sterilizing) to render items safe for handling.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Specialized clothing or equipment, such as gloves and goggles, worn to protect against exposure to infectious materials.

Standard Precautions

An approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious.

Pre-Disinfection Step

The requirement to remove debris from all nonporous tools and supplies before the disinfection process.

Post-Service Protocol

Requirement that all tools or supplies that come in contact with the client during a service must be discarded or disinfected.

Sterilization Requirements

Standards that necessitate the use of heat, steam, or chemical sterilants to kill all microorganisms.