Public Health Agency of Canada
www.publichealth.gc.ca
Infection Control Guidance for Respiratory Equipment and Devices
SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)
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The following fact sheet has been developed to assist with the sterilization and disinfection of respiratory equipment and devices according to infection risk categories (Spaulding Classification). Please be advised that as more information about the cause of this illness becomes available, the information provided below may change.
Table. Sterilization and Disinfection of Respiratory Equipment and Devices According to Infection Risk Categories (Spaulding Classification)
| Category | Description | Device | Processing |
| Critical | Devices that enter the blood stream or sterile tissue | Bronchoscope biopsy forceps and specimen brushes | Sterilization |
| Semicritical | Devices that directly or indirectly contact mucus membranes | Bronchoscopes and accessories Oral, nasal and tracheal airways Ventilator breathing circuits Bubbling or wick humidifiers Exhalation valves Small volume medication nebulizers Large volume nebulizers/mist tents Large volume room-air humidifiers PFT mouthpieces, tubing, connectors Resuscitation bags Laryngoscope blades Stylets Air-pressure monitor probes CO2 and O2 analyzer probes Temperature probes Respirometers Suction catheters Anesthesia devices or equipment: • face masks or tracheal tubes • inspiratory and expiratory tubings • y connectors • right angle connectors • reservoir bags • humidifier and tubing |
High-level disinfection |
| Noncritical | Devices that touch only intact skin but not the mucous membranes or do not contact the patient | Exterior surface of ventilator | Low/intermediate level disinfection |
For general information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), please see "Fact Sheet on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)", or visit the Health Canada website at:http://www.sars.gc.ca or phone 1-800-454-8302
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