Which of the following refers to processes that include sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization?

The correct choice refers to the broader category that encompasses the practices of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, which are essential in preventing the spread of infection in a variety of settings, particularly in esthetics and other health-related fields.

Infection control involves a systematic approach to minimizing the risk of infections in environments where skin and body services are provided. It includes implementing protocols that ensure all tools and surfaces are properly cleaned and managed to reduce bacterial growth and virus transmission.

This term is vital for estheticians, as they come into direct contact with clients' skin and must maintain the highest hygiene standards to protect both themselves and their clients from potential infections. Understanding infection control is foundational in esthetics, as it underpins all procedures and client interactions. Factors such as client safety, service integrity, and professional responsibility are all wrapped up in the principles of infection control.

The other choices do refer to important related concepts, but infection control best captures the comprehensive processes involved in sanitizing and managing potential contaminations. For example, decontamination might focus specifically on removing contaminants from surfaces, while sanitary regulations denote the legal guidelines ensuring public health and safety. Double bagging, on the other hand, is a specific technique used to handle potentially hazardous waste, not