Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What type of devices require high-level disinfection?

1. Non-critical devices

2. Semi-critical devices

3. Critical devices

4. Electromedical devices

The correct answer is: Semi-critical devices

High-level disinfection is necessary for semi-critical devices because these instruments come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin and have a higher risk of transmitting infections compared to non-critical devices. Semi-critical devices may include items such as endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, and other tools used in medical procedures that require a higher level of cleanliness due to their proximity to internal body structures or fluids. In contrast, non-critical devices typically only touch intact skin, so they require less stringent cleaning methods. Critical devices, on the other hand, must undergo sterilization because they enter sterile body areas or the vascular system, posing the greatest risk if contaminated. Electromedical devices may require specific manufacturer guidelines for disinfection or cleaning but do not directly categorize under the standard classifications of critical, semi-critical, or non-critical for the purpose of disinfection protocols. Understanding these classifications helps ensure proper infection control practices are followed, thereby safeguarding patient health and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.