Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What process of disinfection uses sound?

1. Ultrasound cleaning

2. Thermal disinfection

3. Ultrasonic

4. Chemical disinfection

The correct answer is: Ultrasonic

The process of disinfection that utilizes sound is known as ultrasonic disinfection. This method employs high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a liquid cleaning solution. When these bubbles collapse or burst, they generate tiny shock waves that help dislodge contaminants from surfaces and materials, allowing for effective cleaning and disinfection. This technique is particularly useful for intricate items or instruments that are difficult to clean manually, as it can access small crevices and hard-to-reach areas without causing damage. Ultrasound cleaning could also involve similar principles, but the term "ultrasonic" more specifically emphasizes the sound wave utilization in the disinfection process. Thermal disinfection relies on heat to eliminate pathogens, while chemical disinfection involves using chemical agents to kill or deactivate harmful organisms. These approaches do not utilize sound waves as part of their mechanisms, making ultrasonic disinfection the correct answer in this context.