What is a correct statement regarding high-level disinfection methods?

High-level disinfection is a critical process in infection control, particularly in healthcare settings, as it significantly reduces the number of viable microorganisms on surfaces and instruments but does not necessarily eliminate all bacterial spores. The correct assertion about high-level disinfectants is that they must be rinsed after use. This practice is essential to ensure that any residual disinfectant is removed from the surface of the items being processed, as leftover chemicals can potentially be harmful to patients or instruments.

Rinsing after disinfection is especially important when using high-level disinfectants, as the accumulation of residuals could lead to irritation or adverse reactions when the disinfected items are later used. Furthermore, it preserves the integrity of the instruments' surfaces and enhances the safety of procedures in which they are employed.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately represent the principles of high-level disinfection. For instance, it is not synonymous with complete sterilization since sterilization kills all forms of microbial life, including spores, while high-level disinfection may not achieve this level of microbial destruction. Additionally, while alcohol and bleach are common disinfectants, they do not meet the criteria of high-level disinfectants in many respects. Lastly, high-level disinfection is necessary for semi-critical items, which are