Survey of infection control procedures at manicure and pedicure establishments in North York.
OBJECTIVE: To describe infection control practices used by technicians doing manicures and pedicures in an urban setting in Ontario. METHODS: A random sample of 120 establishments was selected from a sampling frame. A survey was designed and administered to technicians through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Technicians in 72 establishments were interviewed, representing a 60% response rate. Twenty-nine (40%) of these technicians indicated that they had been immunized against hepatitis B. Technicians re-used almost all instruments even if this was not the intent of the manufacturer. Isopropyl alcohol was the most commonly used disinfectant. Many technicians did not wear gloves while performing procedures. Most did not follow universal precautions when asked how they would react to incidental cuts on either the client or themselves. CONCLUSION: There is a need for the development of infection control protocols for manicure and pedicure establishments since the potential for transmission of infectious diseases does exist.