The second method of decontamination for blood and other infectious materials typically involves cleaning followed by sterilization. This process is essential in ensuring that surfaces and instruments used in a manicuring setting are free from contaminants and safe for use on clients.
Cleaning is the first step, which involves removing debris, dirt, and organic matter from surfaces and tools. This step is crucial because it reduces the number of pathogens present. After cleaning, sterilization is performed, which involves using methods such as heat, steam, or chemical solutions to destroy all microorganisms, including spores.
While sanitizing and disinfecting are important in lowering the number of infectious agents, they do not achieve the level of decontamination that sterilization provides. Therefore, cleaning followed by sterilization is recognized as a comprehensive approach to safely managing potential infectious materials. This ensures that all tools and surfaces meet high health and safety standards before being used in manicuring practices.