Hinged instruments should be _____ when sterilized

Hinged instruments should be _____ when sterilized

• A. Closed
• B. Open
• C. Wrapped
• D. Disassembled

Answer: (B)

Steam must reach every surface of an instrument during sterilization. Hinges have internal surfaces that are easily shielded when the instrument is kept closed, so microbes in the joint may survive. Leaving hinged instruments open allows steam to penetrate the joint fully and promotes thorough drying, reducing corrosion and preventing malfunction. Closing or wrapping them would block steam from reaching the hinge, making sterilization incomplete.

Steam must reach every surface of an instrument during sterilization. Hinges have internal surfaces that are easily shielded when the instrument is kept closed, so microbes in the joint may survive. Leaving hinged instruments open allows steam to penetrate the joint fully and promotes thorough drying, reducing corrosion and preventing malfunction. Closing or wrapping them would block steam from reaching the hinge, making sterilization incomplete.