Who must sterilize reusable needles and probes that lance the skin?

• A. Barbers
• B. Estheticians
• C. Massage therapists
• D. Nail technicians

Answer: (B)

Anything that pierces the skin creates a direct route for bacteria, so those tools must be sterile or single-use between clients. Estheticians perform procedures that involve piercing the skin, such as extractions with lancets or probes, so they are the professionals responsible for sterilizing reusable needles and probes or using sterile disposable versions. Barbers, massage therapists, and nail technicians may sanitize tools they use, but they don’t typically work with instruments that lance the skin in a way that requires sterilization of reusable needles. In short, estheticians must sterilize these instruments to maintain safety between clients.