What is the recommended action for tools that have come into contact with blood?

The recommended action for tools that have come into contact with blood is to disinfect or sterilize them before reuse. This approach is essential in esthetics and other personal care services because tools that contact blood can harbor pathogens, increasing the risk of infection for both clients and practitioners.

Disinfection involves using chemical agents to eliminate most microorganisms, while sterilization refers to a process that kills all forms of microbial life. Both practices help ensure that all potentially infectious materials are handled safely, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Simply throwing tools away does not promote the responsible management of resources, and might lead to unnecessary waste. Wiping them with a disinfectant wipe may not provide sufficient assurance of their cleanliness, as it may not effectively eliminate every pathogen, especially if the tools are not fully cleaned first. Rinsing tools in warm water does not achieve disinfection or sterilization and can leave contaminants behind. Therefore, proper disinfection or sterilization is critical when dealing with blood-contaminated tools to uphold safety and hygiene standards in esthetic practices.