INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What requires sterilization according to Spaulding classification?

1. Spaulding non-critical items

2. Spaulding semi-critical items

3. Spaulding critical items

4. All items

The correct answer is: Spaulding critical items

Spaulding classification is a system that categorizes medical devices and equipment based on their risk of infection transmission. Critical items are those that come into direct contact with sterile areas of the body, meaning they have the highest risk for infection transmission. Therefore, they require sterilization to ensure their safety for use. Non-critical items do not come into contact with patients or only contact intact skin, so they have a lower risk of infection transmission and do not require sterilization. Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, giving them a moderate risk of infection transmission and requiring high-level disinfection, but not necessarily sterilization. Option D, all items, is incorrect because not all items fall into the critical category and thus do not require sterilization according to Spaulding classification. Option A, Spaulding non-critical items, is incorrect for the same reason. Option B, Spaulding semi-critical items, is also incorrect as semi-critical items may require high-level disinfection, but not necessarily sterilization.