Electrolysis – Infection Prevention and Control

  • Record the client’s name, address, telephone number, date and type of procedure and the name of the person providing the service.
  • Record manufacturer, lot number and expiry date for pre-packaged sterile items including needles.
  • Keep client, accidental exposure and pre-packaged sterile items records for at least three years with a minimum of one year (365 days) on site.
  • Provide the client with information about the procedure and any associated risks.
  • Inspect the area of the skin that will be treated for redness, swelling or a rash. Avoid preforming services within 6 inches of skin that is red, swollen, infected or with a rash.
  • Always clean your hands before putting on single-use disposable gloves and after removing gloves.
  • A new pair of single-use disposable gloves must be worn for each client.
  • Clean the area of the skin with an approved antiseptic such as 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use a disposable swab.
  • Clean and disinfect worktables, headrests and chairs using a low-level disinfectant between clients.
  • Never re-use or save needles, even for use on the same client. Needles cannot be given to clients to take home.
  • Use only pre-packaged and sterile needles.
  • Packaging for sterile needles should be in good condition and sterile needles should be used before the expiry date, if one is printed.
  • All needles must be discarded immediately into an approved sharps container after use. Sharps containers cannot be discarded with regular garbage.
  • Keep records for items including the needles that are purchased pre-packaged and sterile for at least three years with a minimum of one year (365 days) on site.
  • Pre-packaged, sterile needles are recommended to expose ingrown hairs. Needles should be discarded immediately after use into an approved sharps container. The sharps container cannot be discarded into regular garbage.
  • If a tweezer does not go below the skin, it must be cleaned and disinfected with an intermediate level disinfectant between clients.
  • If a tweezer is used to expose ingrown hairs and are in contact with non-intact skin, it must be cleaned and disinfected using a high-level disinfectant between clients.
  • If a tweezer is used to hold a sterile needle, it must be cleaned and disinfected between clients using a high-level disinfectant.
  • High level disinfectants (excluding chlorine bleach) must be approved by Health Canada on the Medical Devices Active License Listing (MDALL).
  • Keep records for high level disinfectant use for at least three years with a minimum of one year (365 days) on site. Sample Disinfectant records are available.
  • The removable tip (cap) of the epilator needle holder must be single use or cleaned and disinfected after each client using a high-level disinfectant.
  • Protect epilator cords and control panels with a non-absorbent single-use disposable covers. Change the cover between clients. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Every client should be told and receive written information on how to care for their skin after the service and what they should do if their skin becomes red, swollen or uncomfortable.