Items classified as non-critical risk after exposure to microbes typically contact what?

Items classified as non-critical risk are those that come into contact with intact skin but do not penetrate or disrupt the skin barrier. Intact skin serves as a natural protective barrier against microbial invasion, making it less susceptible to infection compared to broken skin or mucous membranes. Non-critical items, such as blood pressure cuffs or stethoscopes, are used in healthcare settings and primarily interact with this level of skin protection.

In contrast, items that come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes present a higher risk of transmitting infections and are categorized as critical or semi-critical, respectively. Additionally, invasive devices are those that breach skin integrity and also fall into a higher risk classification, as they directly access sterile tissues or the vascular system. Therefore, the classification of non-critical risk aligns correctly with the interaction between the item and intact skin.