What is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance to another called?

The process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance to another is specifically referred to as cross-contamination. This term is used particularly in contexts such as food safety, healthcare, and personal care services like manicuring, where preventing the transfer of pathogens is crucial for maintaining hygiene and safety.

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms spread from one surface or substance to another, often through hands, tools, or other equipment that have been in contact with infected items. For example, if a tool used on a client with a fungal infection is not properly sanitized and is then used on another client, this would be a clear instance of cross-contamination.

Understanding this concept is vital for anyone in the beauty or health industries, as it underscores the importance of maintaining strict sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of infections and ensure client safety. The knowledge of this process differentiates it from general contamination, which might occur in broader contexts, as well as from infection, which refers to the state resulting from the invasion of microorganisms in the body, and infestation, which involves larger organisms like parasites.