What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of harmful bacteria or substances from one surface or person to another. This can occur in various settings, including beauty and health care environments, where tools, surfaces, and hands can become contaminated with pathogens. For instance, if an individual uses a tool on a contaminated surface and then uses it on another person without proper disinfection, it could facilitate the spread of infections. Understanding cross-contamination is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygienic practices and using proper disinfection techniques to prevent the spread of infections.

The other options describe different concepts; for example, the use of non-disinfected tools refers to a specific source of cross-contamination but does not define it. Sterilization focuses on eliminating all forms of microbial life, which is a separate process. Similarly, the removal of dirt and debris pertains to cleanliness but does not address the transfer of harmful microorganisms.