What does non-critical equipment typically come into contact with?

Non-critical equipment typically comes into contact with intact skin. This classification is important in infection control practices within healthcare settings, including nursing homes. Non-critical items, such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and bedside commodes, are used on patients without directly penetrating the skin or coming into contact with mucous membranes or sterile tissues.

The reasoning behind this classification is that while non-critical equipment does not pose as high a risk of transmitting infections as critical or semi-critical items, proper cleaning and disinfection are still required to prevent cross-contamination. Intact skin, although a barrier to many pathogens, can still harbor bacteria, making it essential to maintain cleanliness of non-critical items to protect patients and residents.