Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the function of tuberculocidal disinfectants?

1. To kill only bacteria

2. To kill bacteria and fungi only

3. To kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses

4. To sanitize surfaces

The correct answer is: To kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses

Tuberculocidal disinfectants serve a crucial role in infection control, particularly in settings where there is a risk of transmission of diseases. The term "tuberculocidal" indicates that these disinfectants are capable of destroying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, as well as a broader range of microorganisms. The reason why these disinfectants are categorized as effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses is due to their chemical formulation, which is designed to penetrate the protective barriers that many of these pathogens possess. This allows them to effectively eliminate a wide array of harmful organisms, providing a higher level of sanitation compared to standard disinfectants that may only target specific types of microbes. In contrast, other disinfectants that only focus on specific categories—such as those effective against either bacteria alone or bacteria and fungi—are not as robust and are therefore limited in their effectiveness in preventing the spread of infections. The function of tuberculocidal disinfectants makes them essential for maintaining safe environments, particularly in healthcare and esthetic practices where the risk of infection transmission poses significant health concerns.