Regarding chemical sterilants, which statement is accurate?

The statement that semi-critical items should undergo high-level disinfection is accurate because semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, and therefore, they require a higher level of disinfection than non-critical items. High-level disinfection destroys all microorganisms, with the exception of large numbers of bacterial spores, making it essential for preventing infections during procedures that involve such items. This process ensures that any potential pathogens are effectively eliminated, thereby safeguarding patient safety.

In contrast, heat-sensitive critical items require more stringent sterilization processes, such as being immersed for longer periods (often much longer than 12 hours) in appropriate chemical sterilants. For non-critical items, although they can be cleaned, using some form of disinfectant is recommended to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens. Lastly, intermediate-level disinfectants are typically effective against a broad range of pathogens, including tuberculous bacteria, so the claim that they are ineffective on tuberculocidal activity is misleading.