Final answer:
Single-use items cannot be disinfected as they are intended for one-time use only. Nonporous tools, multi-use supplies, and nonporous surfaces can be subjected to disinfection to eliminate many pathogenic microorganisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following items can be disinfected EXCEPT single-use items. The items that can undergo disinfection include nonporous tools, multi-use supplies, and nonporous surfaces. Disinfection is the process of eliminating many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. Single-use items cannot be disinfected because they are intended for one use only and then discarded. Nonporous tools and supplies, as well as nonporous surfaces, can be properly disinfected since they do not absorb the disinfectant and can be treated with antimicrobial chemicals or heat to inactivate most microbes.
Disinfectants are different from sterilants, which are capable of destroying all forms of microbial life including spores and are used for critical items that require sterility. Examples of disinfectants include vinegar and chlorine bleach, which are suitable for nonliving surfaces and help maintain an aseptic work environment.
It's important to understand that while disinfections are effective, they do not guarantee complete sterility, which is a more rigorous process. Protocols for cleanliness and microbial control vary depending on the type of item and its intended use, emphasizing why not all items can or should be sterilized.