What is classified as semi-critical items in electrology?

Semi-critical items in electrology are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin but do not penetrate tissue. These items must be cleaned and undergo high-level disinfection to ensure safety and prevent infection.

Epilator needle tips fall into the semi-critical category because they enter the hair follicle, coming in direct contact with the inner skin layer. Therefore, it's essential that these tools are properly sanitized after each use, as any contamination can pose risks of transmitting infections.

Tweezers, while also used for manipulation, do not have the same level of penetration into the skin as epilator needle tips and are typically classified as non-critical items, which only require cleaning. Non-critical probes do not contact mucous membranes or break the skin and thus require a lower level of disinfection. Depilatory creams, being topical products, do not fall into any classification that involves instruments used for procedures involving skin penetration or contact with mucous membranes.