1.0 Scientific Concepts Cosmetology Practice Quiz

• A. Through the air conditioning system alone
• B. By verbal communication between clients
• C. Through clean towels stored in a closed cabinet
• D. Through direct contact with contaminated tools or surfaces

Pathogens are most commonly transmitted in the salon through direct contact with contaminated tools, implements, or surfaces, which is why EPA-registered disinfection of all reusable implements between clients is required.

• A. Sterilization
• B. Sanitation
• C. Disinfection
• D. Decontamination

Sanitation reduces the number of pathogens on a surface or the hands to a level considered safe; handwashing with soap and water is the foundational sanitation practice in the salon.

• A. Saprophytes
• B. Bacteria
• C. Allergens
• D. Nonpathogenic organisms

Bacteria are pathogenic microorganisms responsible for contagious scalp infections such as folliculitis and impetigo, which can be spread through contaminated implements or direct contact.

• A. Immerse the comb immediately in a disinfectant solution
• B. Apply a sterilizing agent directly to the comb
• C. Place the comb in an ultraviolet sanitizer cabinet
• D. Clean the comb to remove all visible debris and product residue

Cleaning to remove all visible debris is the mandatory first step before disinfection; organic material inhibits disinfectant efficacy and must be eliminated prior to chemical treatment.

• A. Antifungal properties only, as fungi are the primary salon pathogen
• B. Bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal properties
• C. Bactericidal properties only, registered with the FDA
• D. Sporicidal properties, registered with the CDC

Salon disinfectants must be EPA-registered and demonstrate bactericidal (kills bacteria), virucidal (kills viruses), and fungicidal (kills fungi) properties to provide the broad-spectrum protection required by most state cosmetology boards.

• A. Pediculosis capitis
• B. tinea pedis
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Seborrheic dermatitis

Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), a parasitic condition characterized by nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts; it is highly contagious and a contraindication for salon service.

• A. A styling chair that has not come into contact with broken skin or bodily fluids
• B. A razor blade used during a haircut
• C. Metal cuticle nippers used during a manicure
• D. A clipper blade used on a client with scalp abrasions

A styling chair that has not contacted broken skin or bodily fluids is an environmental surface that requires cleaning (sanitation) to remove debris between clients; it does not require the higher disinfection level reserved for skin-contact implements.

• A. A contagious disease is always caused by fungi, while a non-contagious disease is always caused by bacteria
• B. A contagious disease cannot be spread through indirect contact with contaminated implements
• C. A contagious disease can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another, while a non-contagious disease cannot be transmitted between individuals
• D. A non-contagious disease always requires an insect vector for transmission

A contagious (communicable) disease spreads directly through person-to-person contact or indirectly through contaminated surfaces and implements; a non-contagious condition such as alopecia areata or eczema cannot be transmitted between individuals.