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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Cosmetology Infection Control Practice Test

Quick, free infection control cosmetology test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Chandria Ford PadillaUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style dark blue background with cosmetology tools gloves microbes sterilization icons for infection control quiz

This quiz helps you check your infection control in cosmetology skills, including sanitation, disinfection, and safe tool handling. If you want broader prep, try our cosmetology practice test or build stamina with a cosmetology state board practice exam. Get quick answers and see where to review.

What is the minimum recommended handwashing time for cosmetologists according to the CDC?
10 seconds
30 seconds
60 seconds
20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove pathogens. Shorter durations may leave bacteria and viruses on the skin. Proper technique includes soap, friction, and rinsing under clean water.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is primarily used to protect against chemical splashes in cosmetology?
Shoe covers
Face mask
Hair net
Disposable gloves
Disposable gloves create a barrier to protect skin from chemical irritants and pathogens. They should be changed between clients or when torn. Masks, hair nets, and shoe covers serve different protection roles.
Which method is recommended for disinfecting non-porous metal tools in a salon?
Wiping with alcohol pads
Soaking in an EPA-registered disinfectant
Ultraviolet lamp for 10 seconds
Rinsing under warm water
EPA-registered disinfectants, when used at proper contact times, kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on non-porous tools. Alcohol wipes alone may not achieve full disinfection. Rinsing with water doesn't disinfect. UV lamps require longer exposure and proper wavelength to be effective.
What does MSDS stand for in cosmetology salons?
Medical Sanitation Documentation Sheet
Multiple Sterilization Data Standard
Minimum Safety Disposal Standards
Material Safety Data Sheet
MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, which provides information on chemical hazards, handling, and first aid. It's required by OSHA to inform workers of product safety. Salons must keep current MSDS for all chemicals used.
Which agency regulates the labeling and safety of cosmetic products in the United States?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The FDA oversees cosmetic labeling, safety, and ingredient regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. EPA regulates disinfectants, not cosmetics. OSHA enforces workplace safety standards. CDC issues public health guidance.
What is the term for procedures that reduce but do not eliminate all microorganisms on surfaces?
Antisepsis
Pasteurization
Sanitization
Sterilization
Sanitization lowers microbial counts to safe public health levels but doesn't kill all spores. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life. Antisepsis refers to reducing microbes on living tissue. Pasteurization applies to food safety.
Universal precautions require treating all body fluids as if they are:
Potentially infectious
Alkaline
Sterile
Non-infectious
Universal precautions assume all blood and bodily fluids may harbor pathogens, guiding PPE use and hygiene. This approach prevents cross-infection. Sterility is only achieved by proper sterilization.
Which of the following is a common bloodborne pathogen?
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Hepatitis B virus
Tinea pedis
Influenza virus
Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood and poses serious liver disease risks. Influenza is respiratory. Staphylococcus epidermidis is skin flora. Tinea pedis is a fungal infection.
What is the first step if a cosmetologist experiences a chemical splash in the eyes?
Cover eyes and call for help
Wipe eyes with a dry towel
Flush eyes with copious water immediately
Continue working and rinse later
Immediate flushing with water dilutes and removes chemicals, reducing damage. Delaying increases risk of injury. Towels may spread contaminants.
Which disinfectant level is required to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Alcohol only
Low-level
Intermediate-level
Soap and water
Intermediate-level disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, phenolics) are tuberculocidal. Low-level agents do not reliably kill TB. Alcohol alone at typical concentrations isn't tuberculocidal.
What practice helps prevent cross-contamination between clients?
Labeling tools with client names
Reusing disposable implements
Wearing same gloves all day
Cleaning and disinfecting tools between clients
Cleaning and disinfecting tools between each client removes pathogens and breaks transmission. Disposable implements should not be reused. Gloves must be changed per client. Labeling alone doesn't disinfect.
Tinea pedis, commonly seen in nail salons, is caused by:
Bacteria
Fungi
Protozoa
Virus
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a dermatophyte fungal infection. Bacterial and viral infections present differently. Protozoa don't typically infect skin.
What is the recommended contact time for an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant?
10 - 30 seconds
30 - 60 minutes
No rinse needed after 24 hours
1 - 3 minutes
Most hospital-grade disinfectants require 1 - 3 minutes of wet contact time to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens. Shorter times may be ineffective. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
Which tool material can be sterilized in an autoclave?
Rubber bands
Plastic combs
Metal forceps
Porous wood sticks
Metal tools withstand high heat and pressure in an autoclave, achieving sterilization. Plastic, wood, and rubber can melt or degrade. Autoclaving is the most reliable sterilization method.
Which of the following best describes an autoclave?
Chemical soak tank
Dry-heat oven
Heat and steam under pressure
UV-light chamber
An autoclave uses steam under pressure (usually 121°C at 15 psi) to kill all microorganisms and spores. Dry-heat ovens and chemical soaks have different applications. UV chambers disinfect only exposed surfaces.
What is the primary purpose of wearing a mask when performing nail services involving dust?
Keep warm in cold salons
Prevent chemical inhalation
Enhance communication
Avoid facial contamination
Masks filter airborne nail dust and chemical fumes to protect respiratory health. Facial contamination is secondary. Good communication isn't enhanced by masks. Warmth is incidental.
How often should foot spa tubs be disinfected in a salon?
Only if visibly soiled
Twice a day
Once a week
After each client
Disinfecting foot tubs after each client prevents pathogen transmission via water. Infrequent cleaning risks bacterial and fungal growth. Visual cleanliness doesn't guarantee sanitation.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are classified as which level of disinfectant?
High-level
Low-level
Intermediate-level
Sterilant
Quats are low-level disinfectants effective against most bacteria, some viruses, and fungi but not TB or spores. They're widely used in salons for non-critical tools. Intermediate and high-level agents are more potent.
Which hepatitis virus is most resistant to disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for days?
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis C
HBV can survive outside the body for at least 7 days and remains infectious, requiring strict disinfection. Hepatitis A and C are less stable on surfaces.
What is the main hazard presented by inhaling ethyl methacrylate (EMA) during nail services?
Hepatotoxicity
Neurotoxicity
Respiratory irritation
Renal failure
EMA vapors can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing and shortness of breath. Chronic exposure may exacerbate asthma. PPE and ventilation minimize risk.
Which of the following terms describes microorganisms that cause disease?
Saprophytes
Probiotics
Pathogens
Commensals
Pathogens are disease-causing organisms like bacteria and viruses. Saprophytes feed on dead matter. Commensals coexist without harm. Probiotics are beneficial microbes.
Which disinfection method is appropriate for porous implements like wooden sticks?
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
Autoclaving
Discard and replace (single-use)
Ultraviolet cabinet
Porous items can't be reliably disinfected or sterilized; they must be single-use and discarded to prevent pathogen retention. Autoclaving can't penetrate pores effectively. UV cabinets only disinfect surface.
Which bloodborne pathogen standard must salons follow to protect employees?
FDA Cosmetic Standard
EPA Pesticide Registration Standard
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
CDC Hand Hygiene Standard
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates training, exposure control plans, and PPE to minimize employee risk from blood and body fluids. FDA and EPA cover different areas.
What is the role of biofilms in salon equipment contamination?
They neutralize chemicals
They enhance sterilization
They indicate tool damage
They protect microbes from disinfectants
Biofilms are microbial communities producing a protective matrix that reduces disinfectant efficacy. Mechanical cleaning must precede disinfection. They do not neutralize chemicals or indicate damage.
Which is the correct order for cleaning multiuse salon tools?
Rinse, disinfect, clean, dry
Clean, rinse, disinfect, dry
Disinfect, dry, clean, rinse
Disinfect, clean, rinse, dry
Tools should be cleaned first (removing debris), rinsed, disinfected according to contact time, then dried to prevent corrosion and re-growth of microbes. Disinfection before cleaning is ineffective.
Which documentation must a salon maintain for chemical products used on-site?
Daily usage logs
MSDS for each chemical
Employee shift schedules
Client satisfaction surveys
Salons are required by OSHA to keep current MSDS for each chemical, detailing hazards and handling instructions. Usage logs, surveys, and schedules are not regulatory requirements.
What pH range is optimal for a disinfectant to be most effective?
2 - 4 (acidic)
Any pH is equally effective
10 - 12 (strongly alkaline)
7 - 8 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Many disinfectants work best near neutral to slightly alkaline pH, balancing stability and potency. Highly acidic or alkaline solutions may corrode surfaces and degrade active ingredients.
What is the proper storage condition for sterile autoclave packs?
In a sealed, dry cabinet
On open shelves
In a damp cabinet
Near heat vents
Sterile packs must be stored in a clean, dry, sealed cabinet to maintain sterility. Moisture encourages microbial growth. Heat vents can degrade packaging. Open shelves expose packs to contaminants.
Which component of an exposure control plan describes procedures after an exposure incident?
Work practice controls
Engineering controls
Post-exposure evaluation
Universal precautions
Post-exposure evaluation outlines medical follow-up, testing, and counseling after needles or fluid exposures. Engineering and work practice controls prevent exposures. Universal precautions guide routine protection.
Which indicator verifies that an autoclave has achieved sterilization conditions?
Visual inspection of pressure gauge
Biological spore test
Mechanical timer alone
External chemical tape that changes color
Biological spore tests confirm that all spores are killed under actual cycle conditions, ensuring sterilization. Chemical tape indicates temperature but not microbial kill. Timers and gauges lack microbial verification.
Which term describes the lowest temperature at which a disinfectant kills specific bacteria in 10 minutes?
Minimum inhibitory concentration
Phenol coefficient
Thermal death point
Phenolic index
The phenol coefficient compares a disinfectant's efficacy to phenol by measuring kill rates at 10 minutes. MIC is for antibiotics, not disinfectants. Thermal death point applies to heat, not chemicals.
Prions are resistant to standard sterilization. Which method is recommended for deactivating prions on metal instruments?
Immersion in 1N sodium hydroxide and autoclave at 134°C
70% alcohol soak
Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes
Ultraviolet irradiation
Prion decontamination requires harsh methods: soaking in NaOH or NaOCl followed by extended autoclaving at higher temperature. Standard autoclaving, alcohol, or UV won't inactivate prions.
Which OSHA regulation limits salon worker exposure to formaldehyde gas?
Max Vapor Concentration (MVC)
Chemical Exposure Threshold (CET)
Airborne Safety Index (ASI)
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
OSHA's PEL sets the legal airborne concentration limit for formaldehyde at 0.75 ppm (8-hour TWA). There is also an action level at 0.5 ppm. MVC, CET, and ASI are not OSHA terms.
In salon ventilation design, what is the minimum air changes per hour recommended to control chemical fumes?
2 - 4 ACH
15 - 20 ACH
20 - 25 ACH
6 - 12 ACH
Guidelines recommend 6 - 12 air changes per hour in salons to dilute chemical vapors and maintain indoor air quality. Lower rates may not adequately remove fumes.
Which disinfectant agent is classified as high-level and can penetrate bacterial spores?
Isopropyl alcohol
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Soapy water
Glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde, at appropriate concentrations, is a high-level disinfectant capable of killing all microorganisms and spores with sufficient exposure time. Quats and alcohol are lower level. Soap is cleaning only.
What is the key difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection?
High-level disinfection kills spores, sterilization does not
They are identical processes
Sterilization is only for liquids
Sterilization kills all forms of microbial life including spores, high-level disinfection does not
Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms including spores; high-level disinfection kills most pathogens but may leave spores viable. They are distinct procedures.
Which process validation tool provides immediate visual confirmation that sterilization parameters were met?
Pressure gauge
External chemical indicator tape
Sterility assurance level check
Internal biological spore strip
External chemical indicator tape changes color when exposed to correct temperature, offering immediate visual confirmation. Internal biological tests require incubation. Pressure gauges alone don't confirm microbial kill.
Which viral pathogen is most difficult to kill on salon surfaces without proper disinfectant?
Influenza A
Herpes simplex virus
Rhinovirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is non-enveloped and highly resistant to many disinfectants. Enveloped viruses like herpes and influenza are more easily inactivated.
What validation method ensures that an autoclave's drying cycle is effective?
Chemical autoclave integrators
Visual inspection of dryness
Pressure monitoring
Use of Bowie-Dick test
Chemical integrators placed inside packs can indicate if correct temperature and steam penetration were reached, indirectly verifying drying. Bowie-Dick tests detect air leaks. Pressure monitoring alone isn't enough.
Which statement about UV-C sterilizers in salons is correct?
They eliminate spore-forming bacteria reliably
They penetrate packaging to sterilize contents
They replace the need for chemical disinfectants
They are effective only on exposed surfaces
UV-C light disinfects only surfaces directly exposed; it cannot penetrate packaging or shadows. It's not a substitute for chemical disinfectants or sterilization processes that kill spores.
Which factor reduces the efficacy of quaternary ammonium disinfectants?
Proper dilution
Low organic load
High water hardness
Neutral pH
High water hardness can inactivate quats by forming insoluble salts, reducing antimicrobial action. Organic load also reduces efficacy, but water hardness is a distinct factor. Proper dilution and neutral pH optimize activity.
Which statement about hepatitis C virus (HCV) and salon environments is true?
HCV is easily killed by soap and water alone
HCV can survive up to 3 weeks on surfaces
HCV is an enveloped virus and very fragile
HCV cannot be transmitted via nail tools
HCV can remain infectious on environmental surfaces for up to 3 weeks, requiring proper disinfection. Soap and water remove but don't disinfect. Nail tools contaminated with blood can transmit HCV.
Which cleaning agent should never be mixed with quaternary ammonium disinfectants due to hazardous gas formation?
Hydrogen peroxide
Ammonia
Isopropyl alcohol
Acetic acid
Combining quats with ammonia can produce toxic gases. Alcohol and peroxide interactions differ. Always follow label instructions to avoid chemical reactions.
Which pathogens require high-level disinfection or sterilization when instruments contact sterile tissue?
All microorganisms including spores
Mycobacteria only
Only enveloped viruses
Non-critical bacteria
Instruments contacting sterile tissues must be sterile (no spores or microbes). High-level disinfection leaves spores viable. Sterilization is required for implants or surgery.
Which factor most significantly affects the activity of phenolic disinfectants?
Relative humidity
Tool color
Organic matter presence
Ambient light level
Phenolics are inactivated by organic matter like blood and skin oils, requiring pre-cleaning. Light and humidity have minimal impact. Tool color is irrelevant.
Which sterilization method uses ionizing radiation and is rarely available in salons?
E-beam radiation
Dry-heat oven
Gamma irradiation
Boiling water
Gamma irradiation is a high-penetration ionizing method used industrially; not practical for salons. E-beam is similar but less common. Dry-heat and boiling water are thermal methods.
According to current cosmetology regulations, how long must records of autoclave biological spore tests be retained?
30 days
1 year
Indefinitely
6 months
Many state boards require retention of biological spore test records for at least one year to demonstrate ongoing sterilization efficacy. Policies vary, but one-year is common.
Which federal standard outlines the Hazard Communication requirements for salon products?
Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Clean Air Act
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard mandates labels, Safety Data Sheets, and employee training for hazardous chemicals. It's codified at 29 CFR 1910.1200.
What is the log reduction in microbial count achieved by a disinfectant that kills 99.999% of organisms?
3-log
6-log
5-log
4-log
A 5-log reduction means reducing microbial population by 99.999% (10?). Each log represents a tenfold reduction.
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, within how many days must an employer provide post-exposure evaluation after an exposure incident?
1 day
15 business days
15 days
7 days
Employers must offer post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up within 15 business days of exposure. This includes baseline testing and counseling.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Infections -

    Describe the most prevalent infections encountered in cosmetology and distinguish their routes of transmission within salon environments.

  2. Understand Sterilization Methods -

    Compare and contrast disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization techniques to ensure compliance with state board standards in infection control cosmetology.

  3. Apply Safety Protocols -

    Implement proper hand hygiene, glove usage, and salon sanitation procedures to minimize risks of cross-contamination during cosmetology services.

  4. Recall Regulatory Guidelines -

    Memorize critical infection control regulations and guidelines required for success on the quizlet cosmetology state board test.

  5. Analyze Quiz Results -

    Interpret your scored quiz performance to identify strengths, address knowledge gaps, and focus study efforts efficiently.

  6. Evaluate Answer Key Explanations -

    Review detailed infection control test answer key rationales to reinforce learning and correct misunderstandings.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Standard Precautions & Cross-Contamination -

    Infection control cosmetology hinges on CDC's Standard Precautions to prevent cross-contamination: always assume blood or body fluids may be infectious and follow a "clean to dirty" workflow. Use color-coded tools and change linens between clients to keep pathogens from spreading - a tip you'll find on many university health sites and in state board prep guides.

  2. Levels of Disinfection vs. Sterilization -

    There are three disinfection levels - low, intermediate, and high - plus sterilization, which destroys all microbial life (e.g., autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes). Remember mnemonic "LHS" (Low, High, Sterilize) to classify tools: combs=low, shears=high, and metal implements=sterilize per OSHA guidelines.

  3. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard -

    Under this standard, you must use labeled sharps containers and wear gloves when touching blood or body fluids, which protects against HBV, HIV, and other hazards. Keep an up-to-date exposure control plan and review it like you would your infection control test answer key for the quizlet cosmetology state board test.

  4. Common Infections in Cosmetology -

    Be able to identify bacterial (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), viral (e.g., HPV, herpes simplex), and fungal (e.g., tinea pedis) infections - often called the "BFF" trio for Bacterial, Fungal, Viral. Spotting ringworm or verruca early ensures you stop the spread in your salon, a key fact for infection control in cosmetology exams.

  5. Handwashing & PPE Protocol -

    Follow the CDC's five-step handwash: Wet, Lather 20 seconds, Scrub all surfaces, Rinse, Dry with a disposable towel. Pair with proper PPE - gloves, masks, and eye protection - and use the mnemonic "GLUE" (Gloves, Linen change, Use mask, Eye shield) to master infection control cosmetology essentials.

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