Final answer:
Semi-critical items should be cleaned, packaged or wrapped, and high-level disinfected after each use. This is different from critical items that require sterilization, and noncritical items that need to be cleaned.
Step-by-step explanation:
Semi-critical instruments, items, and devices should be cleaned, packaged or wrapped and high-level disinfected after each use. Semi-critical items are those that may contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin but do not penetrate the body's sterile tissues. Such items require a high level of disinfection to ensure they are safe for use on the next patient without the risk of transmitting infection. The process involves thoroughly cleaning the item to remove any organic matter and then applying a disinfectant that is capable of eliminating a wide array of microorganisms. Some common semi-critical items include gastrointestinal endoscopes and respiratory therapy equipment.
Different medical items require different levels of disinfection or sterilization based on their intended use. Critical items, for example, which include surgical instruments, catheters, and intravenous fluids, must undergo sterilization since they penetrate sterile tissues or the bloodstream. Noncritical items like bed linens and blood pressure cuffs, which may only contact but not penetrate intact skin, need only to be cleaned.