Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What strength of bleach solution can be used for disinfecting implements that have come into contact with blood?

1. 5%

2. 10%

3. 15%

4. 20%

The correct answer is: 10%

A 10% bleach solution is considered appropriate for disinfecting implements that have come into contact with blood due to its efficacy in killing pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that may be present in blood. This concentration strikes a balance between effective disinfection and safety for both esthetician and clients, ensuring that surfaces and tools are sterilized properly without being overly caustic. Stronger solutions, such as 15% or 20%, while they may offer increased disinfecting power, can also lead to more significant risks, including damaging the implements themselves or causing irritation to skin and respiratory systems. A lower concentration, such as 5%, may not provide sufficient disinfection, especially when dealing with potentially infectious materials. Therefore, the 10% concentration is widely recommended in professional practice settings for these specific uses.