Instruments considered "critical" should always

be disposed of according to EPA guidelines.
be placed in the sharps container.
be sterilized.
be disinfected.

be disposed of according to EPA guidelines.

Rationale: Critical items used to penetrate soft tissue or bone have the greatest risk of transmitting infection and should be sterilized by heat. The extended length of time required to achieve sterilization make this method impractical for an office-based practice.