Spaulding Classification

Question 1

What is the Spaulding Classification?

Answer 1

The category of patient care items based on the degree of risk of infection when items used

Question 2

What are critical items?

Answer 2

Items introduced directly into the bloodstream or sterile body area

Question 3

What are examples of critical items?

Answer 3

Surgical instruments, implants, needles, plates, screws

Question 4

What is the minimum level of processing for critical items?

Answer 4

Sterile

Question 5

What are semi-critical items?

Answer 5

Items in contact with intact mucous (does not penetrate the body surface)

Question 6

What are examples of semi-critical items?

Answer 6

Flexible scope, breathing circuit, etc.

Any item entering through the mouth, nose, throat, vaginal area, rectum, etc.

Question 7

What is the minimum level of processing for semi-critical items?

Answer 7

High level disinfection

This kills all organisms except for large numbers of bacterial spore

Question 8

What are non-critical items?

Answer 8

Items in contact with unbroken skin or doesn’t touch the patient

Question 9

What are examples of non-critical items?

Answer 9

Pressure cuff, IV pump or pole, stethoscope, etc.

Question 10

What is the minimum level of processing for non-critical items?

Answer 10

Low level disinfection