Final answer:
Reusable critical and semicritical instruments that come into contact with blood, saliva, or mucous membranes must be sterilized before each use to ensure they are free of all microbial life, thus preventing cross-contamination and infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
All reusable instruments (critical and semicritical) that contact the patient's blood, saliva, or mucous membranes must be sterilized before each use. Critical instruments, like surgical tools or catheters, are designed to penetrate sterile tissues or the bloodstream and consequently need to be free of all microbial life. Similarly, semicritical instruments, which include gastrointestinal endoscopes and equipment for respiratory therapies, must also achieve a high level of microbial kill, as they may contact mucous membranes or nonintact skin. Although these semicritical items do not necessarily need to be sterile, a high-level disinfection is required to ensure safety and prevent cross-contamination.
It's essential to follow strict aseptic techniques and protocols, including hand hygiene practices and careful disinfection of all equipment, especially in environments where individuals are at greater risk of infection or work is being done with infectious agents. The goal is to maintain an aseptic work environment, which means everything in use should be initially free of microbes to prevent sepsis and other healthcare-associated infections.