CRCST Practice Exam

Retractors are considered critical devices in the healthcare setting because they come into direct contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system. Critical devices have the highest risk of transmitting infections to patients if they are not properly sterilized. Orthopedics, OSHA, and Gelpi are not considered critical devices in the same way retractors are. Orthopedics refer to surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system, OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration which sets guidelines for workplace safety, and Gelpi is a type of surgical retractor.