New York Tattoo License Practice Test

Which types of disinfectants are suitable for semi-critical items?

1. Low level disinfectants only

2. Intermediate and high-level disinfectants

3. Only alcohol-based cleaners

4. Non-critical cleaning agents

The correct answer is: Intermediate and high-level disinfectants

Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. These items require a higher level of disinfection than non-critical items, which touch only intact skin, but lower than critical items that penetrate sterile tissue. Therefore, using intermediate and high-level disinfectants is essential for effectively killing the pathogens present on semi-critical instruments. Intermediate-level disinfectants can inactivate mycobacteria and viruses, while high-level disinfectants are capable of killing all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores. The choice of disinfectant must align with the level of risk associated with the particular item being disinfected. This ensures that all potentially harmful microbes are adequately eliminated, reducing the risk of infection transmission. In contrast, low-level disinfectants are generally not sufficient for semi-critical items as they do not effectively kill more resistant organisms. Alcohol-based cleaners, while they can be efficient for specific applications, may not always provide the broad-spectrum activity necessary for all types of semi-critical items. Non-critical cleaning agents focus on the disinfection of surfaces that only contact intact skin, making them inappropriate for semi-critical items.