Final answer:
Heat-sensitive critical items must undergo high-level disinfection and be packaged post-disinfection. True sterilization, which eliminates all microbes, is achieved through methods like ionizing radiation, and is needed for heat-sensitive equipment in medical and lab settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a critical item is heat-sensitive, it shall, at minimum, be processed with high-level disinfection and packaged or wrapped upon completion of the disinfection process. High-level disinfection reduces or destroys the microbial load of an inanimate item to safe public health levels through the application of heat or antimicrobial chemicals, but unlike sterilization, it does not eliminate all microbes as endospores can survive. For heat-sensitive items, sterilization techniques such as ionizing radiation or low-temperature chemical methods may be employed.
High-level disinfection is suitable for items that cannot withstand the high temperatures used in sterilization processes. Commonly, this involves soaking the items in a powerful disinfectant or using heat that is sufficient to reduce microbial loads significantly without damaging the items. However, for a truly sterile state required in certain medical and laboratory environments, alternative sterilization methods must be utilized. These methods include the use of ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, or gamma irradiation to achieve the destruction of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses.