Reusable Non-Critical Items for Patient Care
Reusable non-critical items that contact only intact skin include blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeter probes and cables, stethoscopes, electrocardiographic (ECG) cables, blood warmers, computer keyboards and mice, and the exterior surfaces of anaesthetic machines and monitors 1, 2.
Classification and Rationale
Non-critical items are medical devices that either do not ordinarily touch the patient or touch only intact skin. According to the Spaulding classification system, these items carry minimal infection risk and require only low-level disinfection or cleaning rather than high-level disinfection or sterilization 1.
Specific Reusable Non-Critical Items
Monitoring Equipment
- Blood pressure cuffs and tubing: These cloth cuffs should not be placed in direct contact with damaged or nonintact skin, but are safe for reuse on intact skin 3, 2
- Pulse oximeter probes and cables 2
- ECG cables and electrodes 2
- Stethoscopes: Can be contaminated with viral and bacterial agents but are classified as non-critical 3
Environmental Surfaces and Equipment
- Computer keyboards and mice 3
- Anaesthetic machine exteriors and monitor surfaces 2
- Laryngoscope handles (though blades require higher-level processing) 2
Required Processing
Low-level disinfection or cleaning is required after use 1. Specifically:
- Clean with EPA-approved low-level disinfectant when visibly soiled or at end of day 2
- For stethoscopes and examining devices: wipe with EPA-approved disinfectant labeled effective against hepatitis B or 70% isopropyl alcohol 3
- Blood pressure cuffs should be cleaned with detergent on a daily cleaning schedule 3
Critical Caveats
Do not use these items on damaged or nonintact skin - if skin integrity is compromised, the item classification changes and higher-level disinfection is required 3, 1.
Cleaning must occur whenever visibly contaminated, not just at scheduled intervals 2. Surfaces touched by gloved hands that have contacted blood or secretions should be cleaned at the earliest opportunity, ideally between patients 2.
Hand hygiene before and after contact with these items is essential to minimize potential transfer of bacteria and viruses from equipment to patients, as these items are not cleaned after each patient contact 3.