APPRORIATE LEVEL OF DECONTAMINATION

Invasive device enters tissue that is usually sterile or enters the vascular system.
This includes contact with breaches in the skin and/or mucous membrane e.g., arthroscopes, papillotomes etc.

Device contacts intact mucous membrane but does not penetrate sterile tissue;
e.g., gastroscopes, colonoscopies.

High level disinfection
Sterilization preferred
where practicable.

Device only contacts intact skin e.g., stethoscope, sphygmomanometer cuff.

Cleaning (and low level
disinfection where
necessary).