Which statement about sterile equipment is incorrect?

• A. Sterile equipment is free from all living microorganisms.
• B. Sterile equipment is used to prevent infection.
• C. Sterile equipment can be reused without sterilization if unopened.
• D. Sterile equipment must be maintained to prevent contamination.

Answer: (C)

Sterile equipment is kept free of viable microorganisms and protected by packaging so it stays sterile until use. The idea that you can reuse sterile equipment without sterilization if it’s unopened isn’t valid because sterility isn’t guaranteed after any reuse or prior use. If equipment has been opened, used, or even stored improperly, it must be sterilized before reuse, or it should be discarded. Many items are designed for single use, and unopened packaging can still be compromised by damage or expiration, so relying on “unopened” alone to allow reuse contradicts proper aseptic practice. The other statements align with maintaining infection prevention: sterile equipment helps prevent infection, and it must be maintained to prevent contamination.