Ace the HSPA Certification Exam 2025 – Sterilize Success and Boost Your Career!

In sterile processing, critical instruments are defined as those that come into direct contact with sterile tissues or the vascular system. They carry the highest risk of infection if not properly cleaned and sterilized. Scissors are categorized as critical instruments because they are often used in surgical procedures to cut tissue. Since they directly interact with the surgical site, any contamination on these instruments could lead to severe infections or complications for the patient.

On the other hand, surgical gloves, bandages, and patient gowns, while important for maintaining a sterile environment and protecting both patients and healthcare workers, do not qualify as critical instruments. Gloves are considered personal protective equipment, bandages are used for wound dressing, and gowns serve a protective role for the wearer rather than having direct contact with sterile fields. Therefore, their levels of risk in terms of infection transmission differ significantly from that of scissors, making scissors the correct answer in this context.