The properties of the metal used in the manufacture of Surgical Instruments

Instruments are generally made of Stainless steel. This is an alloy, consisting of various percentages of iron, nickel, sulphur, carbon, silicon, manganese and chromium. Varying the percentage creates changes in metal properties. For e.g. it could cause the instruments edge to be sharp or the instrument to be malleable. Further it is not stainless, only stain resistant. Exposure to blood, tissue and other surgical residue can cause staining, pitting and corrosion of instruments.