Pathogens and Aseptic Technique · 3 min read
Decontamination and Disinfectants
Levels of Decontamination
Decontamination removes or destroys pathogens on surfaces and objects. It has three levels, and the correct level depends on how the item is used.
| Level | What It Does | Methods | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning / sanitation (lowest) | Removes visible debris and reduces pathogens to a safe level; does not kill all microorganisms | Soap or detergent and water, scrubbing, handwashing | Required before every disinfection; hands, surfaces |
| Disinfection | Destroys most pathogens on nonliving surfaces; not bacterial spores | EPA-registered disinfectant at the label's dilution and contact time | Multi-use implements, equipment, work surfaces |
| Sterilization (highest) | Destroys all microbial life, including spores | Autoclave (steam under pressure), dry heat sterilizer | Implements that break the skin, such as lancets; required by some states for metal implements |
Key Concept
Disinfectants are for nonliving surfaces only. Antiseptics are milder products that can be used on skin (for example, 70% alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a minor wound). Never use a disinfectant on skin.EPA Registration and Disinfectant Claims
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers disinfectants. Registration means the manufacturer proved the product kills the organisms listed on its label when used as directed. State boards require an EPA-registered, hospital-level disinfectant for implements and surfaces in salons and spas.
- Hospital disinfectants are tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and are effective against a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Tuberculocidal disinfectants also kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, one of the hardest organisms to kill. They are stronger and not necessary for routine use unless the state requires them, but labels must be followed exactly.
- Label terms describe what a product kills: bactericidal (bacteria), virucidal (viruses), fungicidal (fungi), tuberculocidal (TB).
- For tools or surfaces contaminated with blood, use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant whose label lists HIV and hepatitis B (HBV), or one that is tuberculocidal, as your state requires.
Disinfectants Used in Esthetics
| Disinfectant | Effective Against | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) | Bacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses | Common, relatively safe, noncorrosive; many are not tuberculocidal; follow dilution and contact time |
| Phenolics | Broad spectrum, including TB in many formulas | Strong odor; can irritate skin and damage rubber and some plastics |
| Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) | Bacteria, viruses, fungi, TB | Inexpensive; corrosive to metals and fabrics; mix fresh daily at the label dilution |
| Alcohol (70% ethyl or isopropyl) | Many bacteria and enveloped viruses | Evaporates quickly, so contact time is hard to maintain; not effective on spores; acceptable as a disinfectant only where the state allows |
| Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) | Bacteria, viruses, fungi; some formulas tuberculocidal | Fast contact times; low toxicity and environmentally friendlier |
Using Disinfectants Correctly
Clean First
Organic matter such as skin cells, oil, blood, and product residue blocks disinfectants. Clean with soap and water before disinfecting.
Correct Dilution
A solution that is too weak will not kill pathogens; one that is too strong damages surfaces and wastes product. Always add disinfectant to water as the label directs.
Full Contact Time
The surface must stay visibly wet for the entire contact time on the label (commonly 10 minutes; some products are faster).
Read the Label and SDS
The label lists organisms killed, dilution, contact time, and precautions. Change solutions daily or when visibly contaminated.
Total Immersion
Implements must be fully immersed in disinfectant for the full contact time. Spraying or wiping is not sufficient for multi-use implements that touch the client.Finished reading?
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