Why should heat-sensitive items not be steam sterilized?

Heat-sensitive items should not be steam sterilized primarily because they can be easily damaged by heat. Steam sterilization involves high temperatures, typically around 121-134 degrees Celsius, which can degrade or alter the physical and chemical properties of delicate instruments or materials, such as certain plastics, electronic components, or rubber parts.

When heat-sensitive items are exposed to these conditions, they may lose their functionality, become deformed, or undergo changes that compromise their safety and efficacy. Therefore, alternative sterilization methods, such as ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma, or low-temperature steam and formaldehyde, are often recommended for these types of items, as they can achieve sterilization without the damaging effects of high heat. Though the other options may reflect considerations relevant to sterilization processes, they do not specifically address the critical concern of how heat affects these sensitive materials.