How should critical items be processed?

Critical items are defined as instruments or devices that are used to penetrate sterile tissue or contact the vascular system, thus carrying a high risk of infection if contaminated. For these items, the appropriate processing method is cleaning followed by sterilization.

Cleaning is essential because it removes organic material, blood, and other contaminants from the instrument before it undergoes sterilization. Sterilization is crucial as it eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, ensuring that the item is safe for use.

The importance of sterilization for critical items cannot be overstated; if these items are not properly sterilized, there is an unacceptable risk of transmitting infections to patients. This rigorous approach is a key part of maintaining patient safety and adhering to infection control protocols in healthcare settings. Other processes like low-level disinfection or merely cleaning would not sufficiently reduce the risk associated with the use of critical items. Discarding items after one use is not practical for all tools and can lead to increased waste and costs.