What is the minimum level of disinfection required for semi-critical items before use?

Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin and therefore require a higher level of disinfection to ensure patient safety. High-level disinfection is specifically designed to eliminate all microorganisms, except large numbers of bacterial spores. This process involves using chemical agents that can achieve this level of efficacy, making it suitable for semi-critical items such as endoscopes or respiratory therapy equipment.

While low-level disinfection is adequate for non-critical items that only touch intact skin, and steam sterilization is typically reserved for critical items that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system, high-level disinfection addresses the specific risks associated with semi-critical items. The goal is to prevent infections or complications that could arise from inadequate disinfection, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the established standards for each category of medical equipment.