What treatment should be applied to non-critical equipment and surfaces?

When addressing non-critical equipment and surfaces, using an intermediate-level disinfectant is appropriate because it effectively reduces a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, without requiring the stringent measures necessary for critical or semi-critical items.

Non-critical items refer to those that come in contact with intact skin but do not penetrate body tissues, which means they don't carry the same risk as critical or semi-critical items. An intermediate-level disinfectant is designed to kill most pathogens found on such surfaces, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making it suitable for environments like clinics or salons where there is a potential for contamination.

Lower-level disinfectants, while useful, may not be sufficient for ensuring complete disinfection on surfaces that could harbor more resilient pathogens. High-level disinfectants, on the other hand, are reserved for critical and semi-critical instruments, as they provide a higher level of antimicrobial action that is not necessary for non-critical surfaces. Thus, the optimal choice for treating non-critical equipment and surfaces is an intermediate-level disinfectant, balancing effectiveness with safety and practicality.