Which instruments are considered critical?

Infection control protocols classify instruments based on the level of risk they pose in terms of infection transmission. Critical instruments are those that are used to penetrate soft tissue or bone. This classification stems from the significant risk of transferring pathogens, as these instruments can introduce bacteria or other infectious agents directly into the bloodstream or internal tissues.

When instruments penetrate soft tissue or bone, they are considered critical because they require the highest level of disinfection or sterilization to eliminate any potential pathogens. The logic behind this categorization is that any break in the epithelium or barrier presented by skin or mucous membranes can facilitate the introduction of infectious organisms. Therefore, the safe handling, thorough sterilization, and proper use of such instruments are vital in maintaining infection control standards in dental and medical practices.

In contrast, instruments that only contact skin are classified as non-critical and can typically be cleaned and disinfected rather than sterilized. Disposable instruments, while often safer due to being used once, do not inherently define the instrument as critical based on their use be enough to mitigate risk. Lastly, instruments used for cleaning may not directly refer to patient penetration, placing them outside the critical category as they typically perform tasks that don't interact directly with sterile tissues.