2.3. Infection Control Procedures in Practice

💡 First Principle: Infection control only works when it's consistent. A protocol that you follow 90% of the time leaves 10% of your clients unprotected. The procedures in this section are not suggestions — they are the minimum standard of care every client is entitled to, every time.

The exam will present scenarios testing whether you recognize when a protocol has been correctly followed versus when a shortcut creates a risk. The most common errors involve tools, single-use items, and storage. Understanding the why behind each rule helps you identify violations in scenarios you haven't seen before.

⚠️ Common Misconception: Multi-use tools can be re-used on the next client after wiping with a towel. Wiping removes visible debris but does not disinfect. Every multi-use tool requires the full clean-then-disinfect sequence between clients.