What defines non-critical items in a medical context?

In a medical context, non-critical items are defined as those that come into contact only with intact skin. This categorization is crucial because non-critical items pose a lower risk of infection compared to critical or semi-critical items, which have a higher potential for transmitting pathogens. Items in this category typically do not require the same level of disinfection or sterilization as items that penetrate the skin or mucous membranes.

For instance, equipment like blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes, which may touch skin but not open wounds or bodily fluids, can be cleaned with a lower-level disinfectant. Understanding this distinction helps healthcare professionals implement appropriate infection control measures, ensuring patient safety while also being practical about the resources required for cleaning and disinfection.