Boil Test

BOIL TEST FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

FOR TESTING CORROSION RESISTANCE

The Boil Test is performed to check presence of corrosion in surgical instruments resulting either due to some process faults or due to some material composition problem disturbing the passivation layer of the stainless steel surgical instruments.

The process is usually done at the final stages of the production.

Following is the normal procedure for Boil Test.

1. Clean the instruments using soap and warm tap water and then rinse in distilled water.
2. Immerse the instruments in distilled water in the beaker or better if in a sterilizing container with lid for at least 30 minutes, keeping the water boiling.
3. Remove the instruments from the beaker and keep these in open air on the table for at least one hour.
4. Wipe the instruments with a dry cloth and examine it visually for any evidence of corrosion.
5. Check any blemish on the surface / crevices which were left even after rubbing for evidence of corrosion.
   • For severe test boil the instrument in the sterilizing container with lid for an hour keeping the water boiling.
   • Keep the instruments in the container for at least 12 to 15 hours.
   • Then wipe the instruments and let them dry in open air.
   • Observe the instruments for corrosion.