This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: general microbiology, Subject name: Microbiology
Endoscope and bronchoscope instruments are under which category according to Spaulding classification 
Select and explain. 
A. Critical item, B. Semi critical item, C. Noncritical item, D. None of the above
B: Semi critical item
Answer: B: Semi critical item 
Explanation: Spaulding classification:}Proposed by Earl H. Spaulding}Categorized into 4 categories*Critical devices *Semi critical devices*Noncritical devices*Medical equipmentsCritical devices:(Infection risk - High)Medical devices that are intended to enter a sterile environment, sterile tissue or the vasculature. Example - Surgical instruments, Cardiac catheters}Reprocessing procedure*FDA classification - Sterilization by steam, plasma, or ethylene oxide, liquid sterilization acceptable if no other methods feasibleSemi critical devices:(Infection risk - High, intermediate)Medical devices that is intended to come in contact with mucous membrane or minor skin breaches. Example - Flexible endoscope, Respiratory equipments}Reprocessing procedure*FDA classification - Sterilization by desirable - High level disinfection acceptableNon-critical devices: (Infection risk - Low)Medical devices that comes in contact with intact skin.Example - Blood pressure cuff, Electrocardiogram electrodes.}Reprocessing procedure*FDA classification - Intermediate or low levelMedical equipment:(Infection risk - Low)Device or component of a device that does not typically come in direct contact with the patient.Example - Examination table}Reprocessing procedure*FDA classification - Low level disinfectant, use of sanitizer(Ref: Ananthanarayan 9th edition, p37)