Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Steam sterilization is a commonly used method for sterilizing instruments, especially in healthcare settings. However, one of the notable disadvantages of using steam sterilization for non-stainless steel instruments is that it can cause corrosion. This occurs because the combination of heat and moisture can promote rust formation on carbon steel or other metals that are not resistant to corrosion.

Non-stainless steel instruments typically lack the chromium content that provides stainless steel its resistance to rust and corrosion. When subjected to the high temperatures and steam of a sterilization process, these instruments can begin to deteriorate and lose their integrity over time.

While other factors such as moisture retention or potential dulling of edges can affect instrument performance, the specific issue of corrosion is particularly pertinent for non-stainless steel instruments exposed to steam sterilization. Thus, understanding the composition and appropriate care of surgical instruments is crucial to maintain their performance and longevity, particularly regarding the choice of sterilization method used.