Spaulding Classifications

Question 1

What is the Spaulding Classification System?

Answer 1

Categorizes patient care items based on infection risk:
- Critical items
- Semi-critical items
- Non-critical items

Question 2

Critical items:

Answer 2

Introduced directly into the bloodstream or other sterile areas.
- Ex: Surgical instruments, cardiac catheters, etc.
MUST BE STERILIZED

Question 3

Semi- critical items:

Answer 3

Contact intact mucous membranes but don’t penetrate body surfaces.
-Ex: Endoscopes, endotracheal tubes, etc.
SHOULD BE STERILIZED; IF NOT, HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION IS REQUIRED

Question 4

Non-critical items:

Answer 4

Direct contact with unbroken skin.
-Ex: Crutches.
NEED CLEANING AND POSSIBLY LOW TO INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTION