Cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation: match reprocessing to device risk

Do not treat every process as equivalent

CDC describes Spaulding classification according to the infection risk of device use: critical, semicritical and noncritical.^[1] Selection therefore starts with what the device contacts, rather than applying one available chemical to everything. Device complexity also matters for effective cleaning.

Separate the essential principles

Items entering sterile tissue or the vascular system require sterility. Those contacting mucous membranes or nonintact skin require at least high-level disinfection within the guideline scope.^[1][2] CDC emphasises cleaning before disinfection or sterilisation and compatibility with equipment, materials and processing products.^[2]

A local-system suggestion

ICORP suggests a reusable-device register covering intended use, current manufacturer instructions, the approved process and its owner. If device, reprocessor and chemical instructions conflict, resolve this with the relevant specialists and manufacturers rather than inventing a concentration or exposure time. Include inspection and withdrawal of devices that cannot be processed as intended.

Keep the process traceable

Suggested monitoring links released devices or sets to relevant processing records and checks, with review of recurring failures. Complete documentation does not substitute for validating that the method is appropriate. This article provides no universal chemical formula, temperature or exposure time; use device-specific instructions and the approved local system.