Question

. Describe (in detail) the Spaulding Classification system and list the 3 device categories.

Answer 1

The spaulding classification help the user decide which level of disinfection would be appropriate for various different types of devices that are reused,based on the potential risk of infection posted to a patient .It can distroy bacteria ,viruses ,protozoa ,and prions The spaulding classification allows for device to be placed into three categories ;non-critical,semi-critical or critical. Each device classification then has an accompanying minimum inactivation level .

NON-CRITICAL DEVICES

Non critical devices are devices that only come in contact the intact skin some examples are blood pressure cuffs or stethoscopes .At a minimum ,non-critical devices should be routinely cleaned and or treated with a disinfectent ,which can include lower /intermediate level disinfection .This is not to say a higher level   cannot be used,and in some cases that might be warranted depending on the use of the device and risk to the patient

SEMI-CRITICAL DEVICES

Only contact mucous membrane or non-intact skin for example various flexible and rigid endoscopes,anesthesia equipment , and respiratory therapy equipment .these devices ,at a minium should be cleaned and then high-level disinfected.Spaulding classification also recommended that semi critical devices should be sterilized  .

CRITICAL DEVICE

That comes in contact with sterile areas of the body ,which includes blood contact .therefore these devices at a minimum are expected to be cleaned and sterilized between uses according to spaulding classification [example foreceps ,clamps ,scissors

SOME EXAMPLE OF REUSABLE MEDICAL DEVICES ARE

surgical instruments ,such as clamps and forceps

endoscopes,such as bronchoscope ,duodenoscopes and colonoscopes, used to visualize areas inside the body

accessories to endoscope ,such as graspers and scissors

laproscopuic surgery accessories ,such as artheroscopic shavers