MUA Sanitation, Safety & Infection Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct term for the process that kills most but NOT all microorganisms on a surface?
- Sterilization
- Sanitation
- Disinfection (Correct answer)
- Pasteurization
Correct answer: Disinfection
Disinfection kills most pathogens on surfaces but does not eliminate all bacterial spores like sterilization does.
Question 2: An autoclave achieves sterilization through which method?
- Chemical immersion
- UV light exposure
- High-pressure steam heat (Correct answer)
- Alcohol vapors
Correct answer: High-pressure steam heat
An autoclave uses pressurized steam at high temperature to sterilize instruments, destroying all microorganisms including spores.
Question 3: Under most US state board cosmetology rules, used metal implements must be cleaned then disinfected in an EPA-registered disinfectant for at least how many minutes?
- 2 minutes
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 20 minutes
Correct answer: 10 minutes
Most state boards require metal implements to soak in an EPA-registered disinfectant for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered a single-use disposable item that must NEVER be reused on another client?
- Metal spatula
- Kabuki brush
- Mascara wand (Correct answer)
- Powder puff cleaned with spray
Correct answer: Mascara wand
Mascara wands must be single-use disposables; reusing them risks transferring eye infections between clients.
Question 5: What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard require makeup artists to do if they accidentally cut a client?
- Continue the service with gloves on
- Immediately stop, apply pressure, and follow exposure control procedures (Correct answer)
- Disinfect the wound and resume normally
- Document only at the end of the session
Correct answer: Immediately stop, apply pressure, and follow exposure control procedures
OSHA requires immediate cessation of service, proper wound care, and following the employer's exposure control plan after a blood exposure incident.
Question 6: A makeup artist should perform hand hygiene with soap and water (not just hand sanitizer) when hands are visibly what?
- Dry
- Cold
- Soiled or contaminated (Correct answer)
- Moisturized
Correct answer: Soiled or contaminated
Soap and water must be used when hands are visibly soiled, as hand sanitizer is not effective on organic matter.
MUA Sanitation, Safety & Infection Control 1
What is the correct term for the process that kills most but NOT all microorganisms on a surface?