Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which equipment is commonly used to sterilize articles in a salon?

1. Dry heat sterilizer

2. Autoclave

3. Ozone generator

4. Steam cleaner

The correct answer is: Autoclave

The autoclave is the preferred equipment for sterilizing articles in a salon because it uses steam under pressure to kill all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This method achieves high temperatures that are necessary for effective sterilization, ensuring that all tools and implements used in esthetics are safe and free of any potentially harmful pathogens. The autoclave's design allows for thorough penetration of steam, which is crucial for ensuring that even complex tools with multiple crevices are properly sterilized. In comparison, while a dry heat sterilizer is effective for some applications, it may not penetrate as effectively as steam, especially in tools with intricate designs. Ozone generators and steam cleaners, on the other hand, are primarily used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment but do not achieve the same level of sterilization as an autoclave, making them less suitable for the specific purpose of sterilizing salon articles.