Surgical forceps are classified as which type of instrument?

Surgical forceps are classified as critical instruments because they are used in surgical procedures to manipulate tissues or organs. Critical instruments are defined as those that penetrate soft tissue or bone and carry a high risk of transmitting infections if not properly sterilized. Since surgical forceps come into direct contact with sterile tissues during procedures, they must be sterilized after each use to ensure patient safety.

In contrast, semi-critical instruments contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require high-level disinfection but not necessarily sterilization, while non-critical instruments only contact intact skin and can be cleaned with low-level disinfection. Disposable instruments, on the other hand, are intended for single usage and are discarded after use, which does not apply to surgical forceps that are meant to be reused and sterilized. Therefore, the designation of surgical forceps as critical instruments is crucial for understanding the protocols involved in their handling and sterilization within dental and surgical settings.