Ohio State Board Nail Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Nail Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sterilization is the highest level of infection control because it completely eliminates or destroys all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is achieved through the use of specialized equipment and techniques that are not used in the other options.

Sanitization, on the other hand, reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level but does not eliminate all of them. It is commonly used in food service or household cleaning.

Disinfection eliminates most microorganisms but may not be effective against certain viruses or bacterial spores. It is commonly used in healthcare settings.

Cleansing is simply the act of washing or cleaning with soap and water, and while it may remove some bacteria, it is not considered a high level of infection control.