Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Surgical Instruments

1.1 This test method covers general test procedures and evaluation criteria for the corrosion resistance of surgical instruments fabricated from stainless steel and intended for reuse in surgery.

1.2 Austenitic (Class 3), martensitic (Class 4), and precipitation hardening (Class 5) materials are to use the boil test and the copper sulfate test.

1.3 Ferritic (Class 6) materials are to use the copper sulfate tests.

1.4 The copper sulfate test is used in austenitic materials to detect chromium depletion at the grain boundaries caused by improper heat treatment or improper cold working.

1.5 For martensitic steels, the copper sulfate test is used to detect improper heat treatment.

1.6 The boil test is applicable to martensitic, austenitic, and precipitation hardened materials to detect surface imperfections.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.