Do You See What I See?

Robin McLeod BSN, RN, CRRN

Define Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Define Spaulding Classifications ID Care of Critical/Semi/Non-critical RME Describe Environment of Care

◦ Acute care◦ Chronic care

Objectives:

Reusable Medical Equipment is anything used in care and treatment of an individual. These items can include:

Surgical Instruments Scopes Beds Basins Furnishings

The Spaulding Classification System: categorizes medical devices (RME) into 3 subheadings:

Critical Semi critical Non-critical

Critical items should be sterile when used. These are instruments that enter tissue or the vascular system. If not processed correctly the risk of infection is quite substantial.

Semi critical items come in contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes. These items should receive a minimum of high-level disinfection (HLD).

Noncritical items come in contact with only intact skin and should receive intermediate or low level disinfection.

Corrugated cardboard boxes are not appropriate because they are an excellent harbour for insects and pests. (courtesy University of Nebraska)

Mature Indian Wheat moth larvae pupating in corrugated cardboard.

The End

Robin Williams as Patch Adams