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I took a break from blogging this month, I hope you haven’t missed me too much!
From now on I will try to publish at least one article a week, but if you feel lonely or want more content of this kind follow me on Instagram and Youtube, you find the links at the bottom of the article.
Today I want to talk to you about disinfection and sterilization processes, what they are and their differences.
Let’s get started!
Disinfection
In the meantime, let’s start by saying that both processes ensure hygiene and safety in the workplace.
In this period of emergency we are all careful to avoid a possible contagion, but in the world of nail techs, these maneuvers have always been very important to ensure the health of both the client and the operator.
Disinfection is therefore the process that reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms from an environment, a surface or an object and is implemented through the use of germicidal disinfectants.
The most recommended type of disinfection is the high-level one, for example performed with peracetic acid.
The instruments are immersed in disinfectant solutions for the time indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Instruments are extracted with sterile forceps and washed and rinsed
and dried with sterile drapes.
Finally, they are placed inside sterile containers equipped with germicidal UV lamps.
Important
I want to make two specifications.
A very important thing is to choose the correct and suitable disinfectant based on compatibility with the material of the instrument.
Furthermore, the germicidal UV lamps do not allow disinfection or sterilization, they are a place to store the instruments already cleaned, in order to maintain their sterility.
If you want you can use the disposable bags in which the tools are stored and when needed they open and throw away.
What do I disinfect?
I disinfect the work surface, the table, the lamp, the UV lamps, everything that could enter with the customer and the filing powders (which we know can carry pathogenic microorganisms).
Even for NON-DISPOSABLE tools, such as gel brushes, brushes etc, which come into contact with the customer’s intact skin, it is sufficient to perform a high-level cleaning and disinfection.
Sterilization
Sterilization allows you to completely eliminate all microorganisms present on
instruments or surfaces, thus making it 100% safe to use non-disposable instruments, which may have come into contact with a client’s blood, or with spores etc ..
There are three main ways to sterilize:
- Autoclave
- Quartz crystal sterilizer
- Dry sterilizer
The most recommended method is the autoclave method.
This appliance produces a humid heat of approximately 126 degrees for 10 minutes.
In an autoclave, it is preferable to sterilize the instruments in sealed bags equipped with chemical temperature indicators; the instruments will be placed on well spaced storage trays.
At the end of the cycle, the instruments can be kept in their bags until their expiry date, approximately 30 days.
Important
It is necessary to maintain it in good condition and carry out periodic tests on the autoclave to ensure the right effectiveness, so that the instruments inside are effectively sterilized, avoiding the risk of contagion instead.
Furthermore, every disinfection and sterilization operation must be preceded by a preliminary cleaning which is divided into 3 phases:
- Immersion of (dirty) instruments in detergent solution for about half an hour
- Brushing and washing in running water
- Final rinsing in running water and drying with disposable towels
Obviously it is essential to carefully read the characteristics of the products you use and absolutely follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoiding mixing the products together.
What do I sterilize?
I sterilize NON-DISPOSABLE and sharp instruments (scissors, cuticle pusher, etc.) that can penetrate the client’s tissues and come into contact with blood, serum or other biological liquids.
Today’s article ends here, I hope I have clarified your doubts and do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know more.
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See you next time!
SOFIA
Purple Nails 