Which infection control procedure requires a chemical product to have virucidal properties?

The infection control procedure that requires a chemical product to have virucidal properties is disinfection. Disinfection is a crucial process in the field of esthetics as it effectively reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, on surfaces and instruments. This is vital in a salon or spa environment where client safety is a top priority.

For a product to be classified as a disinfectant, it must be proven to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The presence of virucidal properties specifically indicates that the product can eliminate viruses, which are among the most challenging pathogens to control due to their resilience and potential for transmission.

Sanitation primarily involves cleaning to remove dirt and debris without necessarily killing all microorganisms. Sterilization goes a step further by eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, using methods such as autoclaving. Decontamination is a more general term that encompasses the process of making an object safe to handle, but it does not specifically require virucidal properties. Therefore, disinfection is the clear answer when it comes to the usage of chemical products with the necessary virucidal properties.