Disinfection: Spaulding classification: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Disinfection: Spaulding classification

Sample item

A flexible bronchoscope, which contacts intact mucous membranes but does not enter sterile tissue, is heat-labile. According to the Spaulding classification, what is the minimum reprocessing level required between patients?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. High-level disinfection

Items touching intact mucous membranes are semicritical and require at least high-level disinfection, which destroys all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores. Critical items enter sterile tissue and need sterilisation, while non-critical items touching intact skin need low-level disinfection.

Option by option

  • A. Low-level disinfection

    Low-level disinfection is adequate only for non-critical items such as stethoscopes and bed rails.

  • B. Intermediate-level disinfection

    Intermediate-level disinfection kills mycobacteria and most viruses but not all, and it is below the high-level standard required for semicritical devices such as bronchoscopes.

  • C. High-level disinfection (correct)

    Correct. Semicritical devices need at least high-level disinfection, for example with glutaraldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde.

  • D. Cleaning with detergent alone

    Detergent cleaning removes soil but does not disinfect, and it is only the first step before disinfection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, High-level disinfection. Items touching intact mucous membranes are semicritical and require at least high-level disinfection, which destroys all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores.

Why is "Low-level disinfection" not the answer?

Low-level disinfection is adequate only for non-critical items such as stethoscopes and bed rails.

Why is "Intermediate-level disinfection" not the answer?

Intermediate-level disinfection kills mycobacteria and most viruses but not all, and it is below the high-level standard required for semicritical devices such as bronchoscopes.

Why is "Cleaning with detergent alone" not the answer?

Detergent cleaning removes soil but does not disinfect, and it is only the first step before disinfection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Disinfection: Spaulding classification in Microbiology. Critical items enter sterile tissue and need sterilisation, while non-critical items touching intact skin need low-level disinfection.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Disinfection: Spaulding classification?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.