Dry heat sterilization is typically chosen for items that would corrode in moist heat.

• A. Items that would corrode in moist heat
• B. Items that require low temperatures
• C. Liquids
• D. Plastic instruments that melt easily

Answer: (A)

Moisture sensitivity of materials drives the choice between dry heat and moist heat sterilization. Dry heat uses hot air and no water, so it avoids introducing moisture that can cause corrosion on certain metals. For items that would rust, tarnish, or otherwise corrode if steam were used, dry heat is the safer option, even though it requires higher temperatures and longer exposure because heat transfer with air is slower. That’s why the best choice is items that would corrode in moist heat. Liquids aren’t suitable for dry heat since they would boil away or not sterilize effectively, and plastics that melt easily can deform or melt under the high temperatures used, so they aren’t good candidates either.