Spaulding Classification

The Spaulding classification scheme was devised as a logical way to determine the disinfection schemes required for items used during patient care. Despite being over half a century old, it remains the clearest and most concise way of assessing an object's infection risk. This is important as it ensures all items receive an appropriate level of decontamination without overburdening an infection control system. Objects are split into one of three categories depending on their normal use. An item can either be critical, semicritical or noncritical. Critical items pose the highest threat of infection transmission while noncritical pose the lowest. Items in different classes go through different decontamination processes.

1. Fill out the following chart by classifying each item as 1) critical, 2) semicritical, or 3) noncritical:

Item	Classification
Bedpan
Reusable trays for making tooth impressions
Walking crutches
Endoscopes/Speculums
Forceps
Scalpels
Stethoscope
Dental mirrors
Bone saws