Which phrase describes the set of three infection-control methods?

• A. Sanitation, Disinfection, Sterilization
• B. Universal Precautions, Immunity, Sanitation
• C. Pediculosis, Contagions, Syphilis
• D. Handwashing, PPE, Sterilization

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the three-tier approach to controlling microbes: sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization. Sanitation is the basic cleaning step that removes dirt and reduces microorganisms to a safe level on surfaces and tools. It’s used for items that don’t normally pose a high infection risk after cleaning. Disinfection goes further by using chemical agents to kill most pathogens on nonporous surfaces and on many noncritical instruments, though it does not kill resistant bacterial spores. Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination, eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is required for items that penetrate the skin or contact sterile tissues. In a salon context, you typically sanitize surfaces, disinfect certain tools between clients, and sterilize instruments that require a completely sterile state. The other options aren’t a standard three-method set: universal precautions are guidelines for handling potential bloodborne pathogens, immunity isn’t a controllable infection-control method, and handwashing with PPE are protective practices rather than the three-step hierarchy of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.