A metal implement that has come in contact with blood cannot be used on a different client until it has been:

The correct answer is based on the necessity of preventing the transmission of infections through proper sanitation protocols. A metal implement that has come into contact with blood poses a risk of carrying pathogens that can cause serious health issues, including bloodborne diseases.

Sterilization is the process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This is crucial for any tools that have been exposed to blood, as it ensures that they are completely free from any infectious agents before being used on another client. Sterilization typically involves using an autoclave or other methods that achieve high temperatures and/or chemical processes effective enough to destroy all microorganisms.

While disinfection is essential for cleaning implements, it does not guarantee that all pathogens are eradicated, especially spores, which remain viable in a disinfected state. Simply washing with soap does not suffice for implements that have been exposed to blood since it does not eliminate pathogenic microorganisms effectively. Storing an implement in a safe place without proper sanitation does not mitigate the risk of spreading infections.

Thus, sterilizing the metal implement is the only appropriate and safe method to ensure it can be reused on a different client safely.