Non-critical Patient-care Items

During the course of their intended use, non-critical items (also known as clinical contact surfaces) come in contact with intact skin but not mucous membranes.^2-4 Intact skin acts as an effective barrier to most microorganisms; therefore, the sterility of items coming in contact with intact skin is “not critical.” In oral healthcare settings non-critical items such as radiographic equipment, blood pressure cuffs, facebows, pulse oximeters, examination and curing lights, and computers pose the least risk of transmission of infection.

Because cleaning and disinfection of non-critical items and clinical contact surfaces can be difficult or damaging to their surfaces, disposable barrier protection is the preferred infection control method during their use.^2-4 When non-critical items become visibly soiled, they must be cleaned and disinfected using a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital-level disinfectant with tuberculocidal claim.^2-4,7-9 The use of EPA-registered products (Box A), consistent with their labeling, complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.^1,7