Spaulding Classification System Flashcards

Spaulding Classification System

• Useful tool for healthcare professionals to assess the required level of cleaning or disinfection for patient care devices.
• Classifies instruments based on their risk of infection transmission and the type of contact they have with patients.

High Risk (Critical Items)

• Assigned to items that contact sterile body tissues, such as internal organs and the vascular system.
• All critical items must undergo sterilization to eliminate any risk of infection.

Intermediate Risk (Semi-Critical Items)

• Referred to items that interact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes, e.g., endoscopes.
• Requires high-level disinfection to ensure safety and prevent infections.

Low Risk (Non-Critical Items)

• Applies to items that only contact intact skin, like blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes.
• These items require only surface cleaning, as the risk of infection is minimal.

This quiz focuses on Chapter 10 of the Spaulding Classification System, which outlines the different categories for patient care device sanitation. The flashcards cover crucial terms and definitions that healthcare professionals need to understand the sterilization process better.