CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum contact time (dwell time) required for most hospital-grade liquid disinfectants to be effective on electrology tools?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
Correct answer: 10 minutes
Most hospital-grade disinfectants require a full 10-minute wet contact time to achieve the labeled kill claims against pathogens on surfaces.
Question 2: Which condition on a client's skin would CONTRAINDICATE performing electrolysis in that area due to infection risk?
- Mild dry skin or flaking
- Active pustular acne or open lesions (Correct answer)
- Light freckling
- Recently exfoliated skin
Correct answer: Active pustular acne or open lesions
Active pustular acne or open lesions indicate infection or broken skin, which would allow pathogens to enter deeper tissue and spread infection if treated.
Question 3: After disinfecting reusable electrology tweezers in a hospital-grade solution, the next step before storing them is to:
- Place them directly into a sealed container
- Rinse with water and dry thoroughly (Correct answer)
- Soak them in alcohol for 5 minutes
- Wrap them in gauze immediately
Correct answer: Rinse with water and dry thoroughly
Rinsing removes chemical residue and thorough drying prevents corrosion and microbial growth in moisture before storage.
Question 4: A client discloses they are HIV-positive before treatment. The electrologist should:
- Refuse service to protect staff and other clients
- Proceed using the same standard precautions applied to all clients (Correct answer)
- Require a physician's note before proceeding
- Use stronger disinfectants only during that session
Correct answer: Proceed using the same standard precautions applied to all clients
Universal/Standard Precautions treat every client as potentially infectious, so the same infection control protocols apply regardless of disclosed HIV status.
Question 5: Which of the following surfaces in the treatment room is considered a high-touch contamination risk and must be disinfected between every client?
- The ceiling light fixture
- The treatment table adjustment lever (Correct answer)
- The wall behind the chair
- The window sill
Correct answer: The treatment table adjustment lever
Adjustment levers, door handles, and equipment controls are frequently touched during treatment and must be disinfected between clients to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 6: According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, all exposure incidents must be documented in an:
- OSHA 300 log and reported to the state board immediately
- Exposure control plan and the employee's confidential medical record (Correct answer)
- Public health database within 24 hours
- Incident report filed with local law enforcement
Correct answer: Exposure control plan and the employee's confidential medical record
OSHA requires that exposure incidents be recorded in the employer's exposure control plan records and in confidential employee medical records.
Question 7: What type of waste are used probes, lancets, and needles classified as in an electrology practice?
- General medical waste
- Regulated medical waste / sharps waste (Correct answer)
- Chemical hazardous waste
- Non-infectious solid waste
Correct answer: Regulated medical waste / sharps waste
Used probes and needles are classified as regulated medical waste (sharps waste) because they can puncture skin and may be contaminated with blood.
CPE Safety & Sanitation Standards 3
What is the minimum contact time (dwell time) required for most hospital-grade liquid disinfectants to be effective on electrology tools?