Which equipment comes into contact with mucous membranes and requires high-level disinfection?

High-level disinfection is crucial for semi-critical equipment because this type of equipment comes into contact with mucous membranes, which are sensitive areas where pathogens can easily enter the body. Unlike critical equipment, which enters sterile tissue or vascular systems and requires sterilization, or non-critical equipment, which only touches intact skin and requires routine cleaning and low-level disinfection, semi-critical equipment demands a higher level of disinfection.

This is because mucous membranes can harbor pathogens, and the equipment used in these areas must be thoroughly disinfected to prevent the transmission of infections. High-level disinfection effectively eliminates nearly all microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, ensuring that the risk of cross-contamination is minimized for patients who may be vulnerable to infections. Thus, focusing on high-level disinfection for semi-critical equipment is essential to uphold patient safety and infection control standards in healthcare settings.