Tools used to puncture the skin must be

• A. Reused without sterilization
• B. Sterilized
• C. Disinfected only
• D. Cleaned and stored

Answer: (B)

Preventing infection is the priority whenever a tool pricks the skin. Because breaking the skin allows microbes to enter, the tool must be free of any living organisms. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, including hardy spores, making a tool safe to reuse after proper processing or using a disposable single-use item. Disinfection only reduces most pathogens but does not guarantee complete elimination, especially of spores or certain resistant organisms, so it isn’t enough for puncture tools. Cleaning removes visible debris but by itself does not ensure sterility, and cleaning followed by improper storage can still lead to contamination. In practice, use a sterilized tool or a single-use item to maintain safety between clients.