Spaulding classification

Spaulding Classification is a system used in healthcare and medicine to categorize medical devices based on the risk of infection involved in their use. It was developed by Dr. Earle H. Spaulding in the 1960s and has since been widely adopted in healthcare settings around the world.

Overview

The Spaulding Classification divides medical devices into three categories: critical, semi-critical, and non-critical. This classification is based on the potential risk of infection associated with the use of the device.

• Critical devices are those that come into contact with sterile body tissues or the vascular system. Examples include surgical instruments, cardiac catheters, and implants. These devices require sterilization to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.

• Semi-critical devices are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Examples include endoscopes, laryngoscope blades, and anesthesia equipment. These devices require high-level disinfection to kill all microorganisms, except for high numbers of bacterial spores.

• Non-critical devices are those that come into contact with intact skin but not mucous membranes. Examples include bedpans, blood pressure cuffs, and crutches. These devices require low-level disinfection to kill most bacteria, some viruses, and some fungi, but not bacterial spores or mycobacteria.

Use in Healthcare

The Spaulding Classification is used in healthcare settings to determine the level of disinfection or sterilization required for medical devices. It helps to ensure patient safety by reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

See Also

• Disinfection
• Sterilization (microbiology)
• Infection control
• Healthcare-associated infections

References

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