What is the primary focus of the Spaulding classification system?

• A. Storage of surgical instruments
• B. Risk of infection based on device use
• C. Type of surgical procedures
• D. Cleaning protocols for instruments

Answer: (B)

The primary focus of the Spaulding classification system is to categorize medical devices based on the risk of infection associated with their use. This system classifies instruments into three categories: critical, semi-critical, and non-critical. Each category indicates the level of disinfection or sterilization required to ensure patient safety.

Instruments classified as critical come into contact with sterile tissues or the vascular system, requiring sterilization. Semi-critical instruments touch mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require high-level disinfection. Non-critical instruments only contact intact skin and require cleaning and low-level disinfection.

Understanding this classification is essential in infection control practices, as it guides healthcare professionals in implementing appropriate decontamination protocols based on the specific risks of each category, thereby reducing the potential for healthcare-associated infections. This system is not about storage, types of procedures, or specific cleaning protocols, which are important but secondary to the primary focus on infection risk.