CRCST Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

A critical device is defined as any medical instrument or device that is used to directly support or sustain human life, or that is intended for use in a manner that is likely to result in significant harm if the device fails.

Retractors serve a crucial role in surgical procedures by holding back tissues and providing access to the surgical site, thereby playing a vital part in ensuring that the procedure is both successful and safe. In this context, they are recognized as essential instruments in surgical environments, making them a critical device.

While orthopedic instruments are important, they can include a wide range of devices that may not necessarily meet the definition of a critical device, depending on their application. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) refers to regulations for workplace safety rather than a medical device. Gelpi refers to a specific type of retractor and, while it is important in certain surgical procedures, it does not represent the broader category of critical devices as effectively as retraction instruments in general.