CNOR - Sterile Processing Exam
2025 Questions and Answers
What is Spaulding Classification? - ANSWER✔✔-a category of medical devices and the
degree of sterilization or disinfection that is needed. Things are classified by what tissue
they come in contact with
Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-MUST BE STERILE
Anything that comes into contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system
Examples of Critical Items - ANSWER✔✔-Urinary catheters (STERILE IN HOSPITAL,
NOT OUTPATIENT)
Instruments for surgery
Cutting endoscopic accessories and endoscopes
Cardiac catheters
Needles (biopsy)
, Semi-Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-SHOULD BE STERILE but high level
disinfection is acceptable if manufacturers allow it (if item won't tolerate sterility)
Anything that comes into contact with mucous membranes (down a natural oraface) or
broken skin
Examples of Semi-Critical Items - ANSWER✔✔-GI endoscopes
Bronchoscopes
Respiratory therapy/anesthesia equipment
What is the difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection? - ANSWER✔✔-
SPORES!
Sterilization kills everything, HLD kills everything except spores
Non-Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-Intermediate or low-level disinfection or
cleaning
Comes into contact with intact skin, no sterilization necessary
Examples of Non-Critical items - ANSWER✔✔-OR bed
2025 Questions and Answers
What is Spaulding Classification? - ANSWER✔✔-a category of medical devices and the
degree of sterilization or disinfection that is needed. Things are classified by what tissue
they come in contact with
Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-MUST BE STERILE
Anything that comes into contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system
Examples of Critical Items - ANSWER✔✔-Urinary catheters (STERILE IN HOSPITAL,
NOT OUTPATIENT)
Instruments for surgery
Cutting endoscopic accessories and endoscopes
Cardiac catheters
Needles (biopsy)
, Semi-Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-SHOULD BE STERILE but high level
disinfection is acceptable if manufacturers allow it (if item won't tolerate sterility)
Anything that comes into contact with mucous membranes (down a natural oraface) or
broken skin
Examples of Semi-Critical Items - ANSWER✔✔-GI endoscopes
Bronchoscopes
Respiratory therapy/anesthesia equipment
What is the difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection? - ANSWER✔✔-
SPORES!
Sterilization kills everything, HLD kills everything except spores
Non-Critical (Spaulding) - ANSWER✔✔-Intermediate or low-level disinfection or
cleaning
Comes into contact with intact skin, no sterilization necessary
Examples of Non-Critical items - ANSWER✔✔-OR bed
