What category of disinfection is required for the epilator cord?

The correct answer is non-critical. Disinfection categories are based on the risk of infection associated with different types of instruments and equipment. Non-critical items are those that come into contact with intact skin but do not penetrate or touch mucous membranes.

In the context of an epilator cord, it is classified as non-critical because it does not come into contact with blood or broken skin; rather, it is an external tool that may touch the surface of the skin where bacteria might reside. As a result, the level of disinfection required for non-critical items is generally lower than for critical or semi-critical items.

Critical items, for example, are those that penetrate sterile tissue or enter the vascular system, necessitating sterilization. Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin and typically require high-level disinfection. Understanding these classifications helps ensure appropriate infection control practices in the electrology field.