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Questions and Answers
What is the Spaulding Classification System?
What is the Spaulding Classification System?
- A classification of bacteria
- A system developed to classify medical devices based on risk of infection (correct)
- A guideline for sterilization processes
- A method for disinfecting surgical instruments
Match each device classification with its description:
Match each device classification with its description:
Critical = Enters sterile tissue or the vascular system, requires sterilization Semi-Critical = Touches mucous membranes, requires sterilization if possible Non-Critical = Touches intact skin, requires low-level disinfection
What does it mean if a device is classified as critical?
What does it mean if a device is classified as critical?
It enters sterile tissue or the vascular system and requires sterilization.
Define bacterialcidal.
Define bacterialcidal.
What is a disinfectant?
What is a disinfectant?
What is sterile/sterilization?
What is sterile/sterilization?
What does high-level disinfection destroy?
What does high-level disinfection destroy?
What is the goal of low-level disinfection?
What is the goal of low-level disinfection?
What is intermediate disinfection?
What is intermediate disinfection?
What should you do before using a chemical disinfectant?
What should you do before using a chemical disinfectant?
When should accessories needed for disinfection be acquired?
When should accessories needed for disinfection be acquired?
When should automated dosing dispensers and suction irrigation devices be quality tested?
When should automated dosing dispensers and suction irrigation devices be quality tested?
Various factors vital to the success of chemical disinfection include the ______.
Various factors vital to the success of chemical disinfection include the ______.
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Study Notes
Spaulding Classification System
- Developed by Dr. E.H. Spaulding to categorize medical devices based on infection risk.
Device Classification
-
Critical Devices:
- Enter sterile tissue or the vascular system.
- Examples: implants, surgical instruments, needles.
- Requires sterilization for safety.
-
Semi-Critical Devices:
- Contact mucous membranes (excluding dental).
- Examples: flexible endoscopes, laryngoscopes, endotracheal tubes.
- Sterilization is preferred; if not possible, high-level disinfection (HLD) is required.
-
Non-Critical Devices:
- Touch intact skin.
- Examples: thermometers, stethoscopes.
- Requires low-level disinfection.
Disinfection Methods
- Bactericidal: Capable of destroying bacteria.
- Disinfectant: Chemical agents that destroy or inhibit harmful organisms, excluding spores.
- Sterile/Sterilization: Complete elimination of all living microorganisms.
- High-Level Disinfection: Destroys all vegetative microorganisms, but not bacterial spores.
- Low-Level Disinfection: Destroys vegetative bacteria forms.
- Intermediate Disinfection: Effective against selected microorganisms, including most viruses and fungi, but not spores; used for non-critical items.
Best Practices for Disinfection
- Review manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFU) before using chemical disinfectants.
- Collect all disinfection accessories (measuring devices, soaking bins, timers) at the start of the process; ensure they are clean and made of non-limiting materials.
- Quality test automated devices (dosing dispensers, suction irrigation devices, automated reprocessors) prior to starting disinfection.
Factors for Successful Chemical Disinfection
- Check the expiration date of chemicals.
- Be aware of reuse life date, if applicable.
- Ensure appropriate concentration (diluted or full strength based on IFU).
- Follow dilution/mixing requirements.
- Maintain the correct temperature for the disinfectant.
- Consider water quality and pH requirements for effectiveness.
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