New York Tattoo License Practice Test

What step comes first in the sterilization process?

1. Package instruments

2. Wash hands

3. Load sterilizer

4. Remove items when dry

The correct answer is: Wash hands

Washing hands is the foundational step in the sterilization process as it helps prevent the transfer of contaminants to both the instruments and the treated area. Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of infection and is crucial for infection control. This step is essential before any handling of the instruments or materials to ensure that all subsequent actions are performed in a sanitized manner. When hands are thoroughly washed, it sets a clean baseline for all other steps involved in sterilization, including packaging instruments, loading the sterilizer, and eventually removing items when dry. Each of those subsequent steps relies on the initial hand hygiene to maintain a sterile environment and ensure the safety of both the equipment and the clients receiving tattoo services.