1.3 Hygiene, Sterilization, and Infection Control

1.3 Hygiene, Sterilization, and Infection Control

CIDESCO Exam Tip: Infection control is a mandatory, non-negotiable core domain in CIDESCO practical and theoretical examinations. Candidates must precisely distinguish between the three levels of decontamination, know exact autoclaving parameters (121°C for 15 min at 15 psi), and apply universal precautions during blood-exposure incidents.

Aesthetic therapists work in close physical proximity with clients, utilizing reusable instruments, facial towels, and electrotherapy attachments. Strict infection control measures protect therapists, clients, and staff from cross-contamination and pathogenic disease transmission.

The Levels of Decontamination in Aesthetic Practice

Decontamination is the process of removing or destroying micro-organisms on inanimate surfaces and human tissue. In cosmetology, decontamination is divided into three distinct hierarchical levels:

Crucial Rule: Sanitation MUST always precede disinfection or sterilization. Organic debris (pus, blood, oil, skin cells) creates a protective barrier that shields microbes from heat and chemical contact.

Physical Sterilization: The Autoclave Standard

The gold standard for sterilizing reusable metal instruments in professional clinics is the Autoclave (Moist Heat / Steam under pressure).

Autoclave Mechanism & Operating Parameters

An autoclave functions similarly to a high-pressure steam cooker. Water is heated in a sealed chamber, creating saturated steam. Increasing pressure inside the sealed chamber elevates the boiling point of water above 100°C, allowing high-temperature steam to rapidly coagulate and denature microbial cellular proteins.

• Standard Steam Autoclave Parameters:
  • Temperature: 121°C (250°F)
  • Pressure: 15 pounds per square inch (15 psi)
  • Exposure Time: 15 minutes (unwrapped) to 20-30 minutes (wrapped pouch loads)
• High-Speed Flash Autoclave Parameters:
  • Temperature: 134°C (273°F)
  • Pressure: 30 psi
  • Exposure Time: 3 minutes

Other Sterilization Methods

• Dry Heat Sterilizers: Operates at 160°C-170°C (320°F-340°F) for 1 to 2 hours. Suitable for glass or metal tools that cannot tolerate moisture, but slower than autoclaving.
• Glass Bead Sterilizers: Small tabletop units heating glass beads to 250°C-300°C. Tips of metal tools are immersed for 10-20 seconds. Useful for quick practical sanitization, but not recognized by many international health authorities as a complete legal replacement for autoclaving.
• Single-Use Disposable Implements: Electrolysis needles, blood lancets, and micro-needling cartridges must be pre-sterilized via industrial Gamma Radiation by the manufacturer and disposed of immediately after a single use in an approved yellow Biohazard Sharps Container.

Chemical Disinfectants & Efficacy Profiles

Chemical disinfectants are categorized as low, intermediate, or high-level depending on their germicidal spectrum.

Bloodborne Pathogens & Universal Precautions

Universal Precautions (and Standard Precautions) dictate that beauty therapists must treat all human blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as if they are known to be infected with bloodborne pathogens—including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Protocol for Accidental Blood Exposure Incident

If a client or therapist experiences an accidental needle-stick or skin puncture causing bleeding during a service:

1. Stop Treatment Immediately: Put on clean disposable nitrile gloves.
2. First Aid Application: Allow the wound to bleed briefly, then wash thoroughly with liquid soap and running water. Apply an antiseptic wipe (70% alcohol or povidone-iodine) and cover with a sterile waterproof adhesive bandage.
3. Double-Bagging Waste Disposal: Place all blood-contaminated cotton pads, wipes, and disposable items into a sealable plastic biohazard bag. Seal this bag, place it inside a second biohazard trash bag ("double-bagging"), and dispose of it in accordance with local biohazard regulations.
4. Decontaminate Work Station: Clean and disinfect all contaminated work surfaces, trolleys, and tools using a EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant or 1:10 sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 minutes contact time.
5. Document Incident: Record the incident in the salon Injury Logbook and refer affected parties for medical evaluation if necessary.

Salon Hygiene Best Practices

• Hand Washing: Wash hands before and after touching every client using liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) can supplement but not replace washing when hands are visibly soiled.
• Linen Management: Use clean towels for each client. Store clean linens in closed, dust-free cabinets. Place used linens immediately into covered laundry hampers. Wash soiled linens at ≥ 60°C (140°F) with detergent and bleach.
• Cross-Contamination Avoidance: Never double-dip spatulas into wax pots or cream jars. Always use a clean disposable wooden spatula for each application or decant products into sanitized glass dappen dishes prior to treatment.