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Spaulding Classification

The internationally adopted framework for disinfection and sterilization of medical devices.

Spaulding Classification

The internationally adopted framework for disinfection and sterilization of medical devices.
Earle H. Spaulding recognized a disinfection framework was required since all reusable medical devices cannot be sterilized.1

The Spaulding Classification met a key unmet need that today still forms the basis of international medical device disinfection guidelines.

Table 1: Overview of The Spaulding Classification.1-3

Spaulding Classification

Medical Device Contacts

Risk of Infection Transmission

Disinfection Level

Critical

Sterile tissue or the bloodstream

 High

Sterilization*

Semi-critical

Mucous membranes or non-intact skin

 Medium

High-Level Disinfection (HLD)

Non-critical

Intact skin only

 Low

Intermediate-level (ILD)

or 

Low-level disinfection (LLD)

 

* Critical ultrasound probes can be high level disinfected and used with a sterile sheath if sterilization is not possible.2

 

Table 1: Overview of The Spaulding Classification.1-4

Spaulding Classification

Medical Device Contacts

Risk of Infection Transmission

Disinfection Level

Critical

Sterile tissue or the bloodstream

 High

Sterilization*

Semi-critical

Mucous membranes or non-intact skin

 Medium

High-Level Disinfection (HLD)

Non-critical

Intact skin only

 Low

 

Intermediate-level (ILD)

or 

Low-level disinfection (LLD)

 

* Critical ultrasound probes can be high level disinfected and used with a sterile sheath if sterilization is not possible.2

 

Sterilization

Sterilization is a validated process used to render a product free from viable micro-organisms.2

Critical devices must be sterile when used.1

Sterilisation

High Level Disinfection (HLD)

High Level Disinfection (HLD)


HLD is a process that kills vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, lipid and nonlipid viruses, as well as some, but not necessarily high numbers of, bacterial spores.2,3

Semi-critical ultrasound probes must undergo HLD and be used with a sheath.2

Critical ultrasound probes that cannot be sterilized can also undergo HLD.2 They must also be used with a sterile sheath.

Learn when to HLD ultrasound probes

Learn about HLD with the trophon®3 device

Low & Intermediate Level Disinfection

An intermediate level or low level instrument grade disinfectant may be used for disinfection of non-critical instruments.2

Low level disinfectants are capable of killing most vegetative bacteria and some fungi, as well as enveloped (lipid) viruses. They do not kill mycobacteria, non-enveloped viruses, or bacterial spores.2

Intermediate level disinfection is a process capable of killing vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and lipid and nonlipid viruses.2

Low & Intermediate Level Disinfection

Understanding Disinfection

It is important to recognize there are differences between disinfection levels and sterilization. Correctly applying The Spaulding Classification to medical devices is a key part of keeping patients safe from HAIs.

A table with a list of bacteria AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Learn more about the trophon®3 device

  1. Spaulding EH (1968). Chemical disinfection of medical and surgical materials. Disinfection, sterilization, and preservation. Lawrence C, Block SS. Philadelphia (PA), Lea & Febiger: 517-531.
  2. Canadian Standards Association (CSA). CAN/CSA-Z314-18 Canadian medical device reprocessing. 2018.
  3. Health Canada. Guidance Document: Safety and Effectiveness Requirements for High-Level Disinfectants and Sterilants for use on Reusable Semi-Critical and Critical Medical Devices. 2018.
  4. Health Canada. Guidance Document: Information to Be Provided by Manufacturers for the Reprocessing and Sterilization of Reusable Medical Devices. 2011
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC