What is the primary consideration when dealing with semi-critical items?

The primary consideration when dealing with semi-critical items is that they require high-level disinfection at a minimum. Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Because these items can pose a higher risk of infection transmission than non-critical items, they need to be thoroughly disinfected before reuse to ensure patient safety.

Using high-level disinfection is crucial as it effectively eliminates a wide range of pathogens, making the items safe for use on the next patient. This process is essential in healthcare settings where maintaining a sterile environment is necessary to prevent infections.

In contrast, the other choices reflect practices that may not be appropriate for semi-critical items. Disposing of items after each use, while potentially safer, is not always feasible or necessary, and not all semi-critical items are designed for single-use. Cleaning with soap and water is insufficient for disinfecting semi-critical items since it does not achieve the level of pathogen reduction required. Only using items once also disregards the possibility that many semi-critical items are designed to be reusable, provided they undergo proper disinfection.