Infection Control

Doug Schoon, a consultant from Schoon Scientific & Regulatory Consulting, LLC,and co-chair for the Nail Manufacturers Council, says that there is a lot of misinformation in the spa industry about infection control. “Infection control should be fully and correctly understood by every professional in our industry, but is not,” he says. Many professionals believe placing implements into disinfection liquid is sterilization; this is a misconception. The correct information follows.

Sanitation

• Reduces the population of dirt, debris and microorganisms on a surface
• Physically removes contamination, but does not necessarily destroy microorganisms
• Is a mandatory requirement before disinfection or sterilization of implements

Disinfection

• Involves using an agent to destroy or inactivate harmful microbes
• Usually refers to the destruction of microbes on implements by immersion in EPA-approved chemicals that kill the growing, vegetative forms of bacteria, but not the resistant spores of bacteria and many viruses
• Requires proper mixing of all liquids according to manufacturer instructions to actively disinfect

Sterilization

• Any process, physical or chemical, that will destroy all forms of bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses
• Can be performed through the use of steam under pressure (autoclave) or through a designated number of hours of immersion in EPA-approved sterilants, such as glutaraldehyde