How must semicritical instruments be cleaned to ensure proper infection control?

Semicritical instruments are defined as those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, such as dental mirrors and reusable bite blocks. Cleaning and disinfecting these instruments are essential for maintaining infection control in a dental setting. The correct approach for semicritical instruments is to sterilize them after each use, unless the sterilization process may compromise the integrity or function of the instrument due to material or design limitations.

Sterilization effectively eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, which is crucial for instruments that have potential contact with body fluids. If a semicritical instrument cannot be sterilized because doing so would damage it, an alternative method must be applied that still provides a high level of disinfection. This process ensures safety for both patients and healthcare providers, minimizing the risk of disease transmission.

In contrast, rinsing with water only does not effectively eliminate pathogens and leaves instruments potentially contaminated. Using a low-level disinfectant is not suitable for semicritical instruments since they require a higher level of disinfection due to their contact with mucous membranes. Wiping with soap and water also falls short, as it doesn't eliminate all pathogenic organisms and fails to provide adequate infection control. Therefore, the requirement for proper cleaning and disinfection