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Harold's business requires a strict adherence to proper infection control. He knows that achieving effective infection control is a two-step process. Which of the following two steps is Harold likely to use for the majority of his business?

a) sanitizing and sterilizing

b) disinfecting and sanitizing

c) cleaning and disinfecting

d) cleaning and sanitizing

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Harold's business will most likely use 'cleaning and disinfecting' as the two-step process for infection control (c). Cleaning removes dirt and impurities, while disinfecting uses chemicals to inactivate most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces.

Step-by-step explanation:

The majority of Harold's business will likely utilize cleaning and disinfecting as the two-step process for effective infection control. Cleaning is the removal of organic matter, dirt, and impurities from objects and surfaces, typically achieved through the use of water with detergents or enzymatic products. Disinfecting follows cleaning and refers to using chemical agents to inactivate most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces, though not necessarily all microbial forms, such as bacterial spores.

While sterilization involves the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life and is often used for critical items that come into contact with sterile tissue, it is not practical for routine cleaning in most businesses due to the methods being time- and labor-intensive. In contrast, sanitizing is a process that reduces the number of microorganisms to levels considered safe as determined by public health standards, but it may not eliminate all viruses or bacteria. Hence, cleaning and disinfecting is the most suitable and practical approach for ensuring proper infection control in many business settings.

User Matt Slagle
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