Which of the following is the decontamination method for blood or other infectious material on items?

The correct decontamination method for blood or other infectious materials on items is cleaning and sterilizing. This approach is essential because it involves both the removal of debris and contaminants through cleaning, and the application of methods that eliminate or destroy pathogens during sterilization.

Cleaning is the first critical step as it helps reduce the number of germs, dirt, and organic matter. After cleaning, sterilization ensures that any remaining microorganisms are effectively killed or rendered inactive. This two-step process is crucial in a cosmetology setting to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of clients.

While disinfecting is an important practice, it typically refers to the use of chemical agents to eliminate many micro-organisms on surfaces or instruments but may not guarantee the complete removal of all pathogens, particularly more resistant forms like spores. Bleaching is a type of disinfection that might address some level of contamination but wouldn’t necessarily ensure complete sterilization. Rinsing does not provide adequate protection against infectious materials without the accompanying steps of cleaning and sterilizing, making it insufficient for comprehensive decontamination.