New York Tattoo License Practice Test

Which disinfectant would you NOT recommend for disinfecting instruments?

1. Intermediate level disinfectant

2. High-level disinfectant

3. Low-level disinfectant

4. Non-critical solutions

The correct answer is: Low-level disinfectant

The recommended choice for which disinfectant would not be suitable for disinfecting instruments is the low-level disinfectant. Low-level disinfectants are primarily used for cleaning surfaces that come into contact with skin but do not penetrate it, such as countertops and furniture in a tattoo studio. They are not effective against more resistant pathogens like bacteria spores and certain viruses that can be present on instruments used in tattooing. In contrast, intermediate and high-level disinfectants are designed to kill a broader range of pathogens, making them appropriate for cleaning instruments that are at a higher risk of contamination. Intermediate-level disinfectants kill bacteria, most viruses, and fungi but may not be effective against spores. High-level disinfectants are even more potent and can eliminate all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores. Non-critical solutions cannot inactivate all pathogens and are therefore not suitable for instrument disinfection either. In summary, the low-level disinfectant is inadequate for the stringent requirements of instrument disinfection in tattoo practices, which is why it is not recommended.