Which items are typically considered noncritical and how should they be disinfected?

• A. Items in the back room; no disinfection needed.
• B. Items used for sterilizing equipment; use heat sterilization only.
• C. Items that contact only intact skin or do not contact the client; disinfect with a low- to mid-level disinfectant per label.
• D. Items that contact blood; disinfect with high-level sterilant.

Answer: (C)

Noncritical items are those that only contact intact skin or do not contact the client at all. Because the risk of transmitting pathogens is low with these surfaces, you don’t sterilize them. Instead you clean them to remove debris, then disinfect with a low- to mid-level disinfectant exactly as the product label directs (including proper contact time and dilution). This level of disinfection is appropriate for surfaces that touch only skin, such as countertops or items that don’t contact the client.

The other options aren’t right because back-room items still need disinfection, sterilization is not typically required for noncritical items, and items that contact blood or mucous membranes require higher-level disinfection or sterilization, not the low- to mid-level approach used for noncritical surfaces.