What is the Decontamination Method 2 for blood or other infectious materials on items?

The Decontamination Method 2 for blood or other infectious materials involves cleaning the items followed by sterilization. This method is crucial in environments like nail salons where there is potential exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, as it ensures that any contaminants are effectively removed and that the surfaces or instruments are made free from viable pathogens.

The first step, cleaning, removes any visible debris, organic matter, or contaminants on the surface of the items, which is essential because sterilization is most effective when there is no physical barrier to the process. Following cleaning, the sterilization process further ensures that any remaining microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, are killed through the application of heat or chemicals.

Although other options like washing with soap and water or disinfecting with alcohol provide some level of cleanliness, they do not guarantee the complete elimination of all pathogens, especially in the case of sterilization, which is a more rigorous process. Using a steam cleaner may be effective in some contexts but does not encompass the comprehensive approach required for decontaminating items that may have come into contact with infectious materials.