What causes brown, orange, or red stains on instruments?

• A. Rust from poor maintenance
• B. High pH surface deposits
• C. Improper storage conditions
• D. Use of incompatible materials

Answer: (B)

High pH surface deposits are the correct cause of brown, orange, or red stains on surgical instruments. These stains can result from the presence of alkaline substances, such as some cleaning agents or environmental factors, which leave deposits on the metal surfaces of the instruments. Over time, these deposits can react with the metal, leading to the discoloration observed as brown, orange, or red staining.

Maintaining appropriate pH levels in cleaning agents and ensuring thorough rinsing and drying of instruments can help mitigate this issue. It's crucial to recognize that while rust from poor maintenance, improper storage conditions, or the use of incompatible materials can lead to other forms of damage or staining on instruments, the specific staining described in the question is most closely associated with high pH deposits.