What defines a multi-use item?

A multi-use item is defined by its ability to be cleaned and disinfected for use on multiple individuals. This characteristic is essential in various sanitation and safety practices, particularly in healthcare and food service settings, where items such as tools, instruments, and certain types of containers must be reused safely to maintain efficiency and reduce waste.

When an item can be effectively sanitized, it minimizes the risk of spreading infections, as it can be properly handled after each use to eliminate any pathogens. This aligns with hygienic practices ensuring that the item retains its functionality while being safe for repeated use.

In contrast, items that are intended for single use must be disposed of immediately after use, which does not fulfill the criteria for multi-use. The definition excludes items that are meant for individual use exclusively or those that serve merely decorative purposes, as these do not have the practicality of being utilized repeatedly in a sanitary manner.