Non-Critical Item Disinfection — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyMicrobiologyNon-Critical Item DisinfectionMFDS Part 1

A reusable non-invasive dental item has contacted only a patient's intact skin and is not contaminated with blood or other body fluids. What is the minimum routine decontamination required before it is used for another patient?

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Correct answer: D — Cleaning with an approved detergent wipe or detergent solution

The correct answer is D. A reusable non-invasive item that contacts only intact skin is low risk and ordinarily requires cleaning between patients with an approved detergent wipe or detergent solution, following the manufacturer's instructions. Additional disinfection may be required if there is blood or body-fluid contamination, a specific transmissible infection risk, or a contrary manufacturer or local IPC requirement. Autoclaving and ethylene oxide are sterilisation processes intended for items requiring sterility and are unnecessary here. High-level chemical disinfection is excessive for routine intact-skin contact, while incineration destroys an item rather than allowing safe reuse.

Reference: NHS England, National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England, Chapter 1: Standard infection control precautions, section 1.5 Safe management of care equipment, current online edition, accessed 26 August 2026. https://www.england.nhs.uk/infection-prevention-and-control/nipcm-for-england/chapter-1-standard-infection-control-precautions-sicps/