Infection Control · single question
Which of the following is classified as a SEMI-CRITICAL item?
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Correct answer: C. Digital (X-ray) sensor
- A. A dental scaler contacts subgingival tissue — it is actually a CRITICAL item requiring STERILIZATION.
- B. A blood pressure cuff contacts intact skin only — it is a NON-CRITICAL item requiring only low-level disinfection.
- C. A digital radiographic sensor is SEMI-CRITICAL because it contacts MUCOUS MEMBRANES but does not penetrate sterile tissue. Semi-critical items require at least HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION. Because digital sensors cannot be heat sterilized (they are electronic), they must be covered with a protective barrier AND high-level disinfected between patients.
- D. A mouth mirror is also semi-critical (contacts mucous membranes) but can be heat sterilized (autoclave). The digital sensor is the better answer because of the special challenge it presents — it cannot be autoclaved.
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