If an item is porous, it should be:

• A. Reused after cleaning
• B. Disinfected
• C. Discarded
• D. Sterilized

Answer: (C)

Porous items can’t be fully decontaminated because their tiny pores trap liquids and microbes, and cleaning or disinfecting doesn’t reach every nook. Sterilization isn’t reliably effective on porous materials and isn’t practical for items designed for single use. To prevent cross-contamination, these items are discarded after one use. Reusing after cleaning isn’t enough because microbes can remain hidden inside the pores, so discard is the safest option.