Why is glass used in medical instruments?

There are several reasons why glass is used in medical instruments:

1. Chemical inertness: Glass is a non-reactive material that does not easily interact with other substances. This makes it ideal for use in medical instruments that come into contact with bodily fluids or tissues, as it minimizes the risk of contamination or adverse reactions.

2. Transparency: Glass is transparent, allowing for clear visibility of the contents inside medical instruments. This is especially important for instruments used in surgical procedures, as it enables surgeons to have a clear view of the surgical site.

3. Sterilizability: Glass can withstand high temperatures and harsh chemicals used in sterilization processes, making it easy to clean and disinfect medical instruments. This helps prevent the spread of infection and ensures the safety of patients and healthcare professionals.

4. Durability: Glass is a durable material that can withstand repeated use and handling in医疗环境。这使得它成为制造诸如针头，试管和烧瓶等医疗器械的可靠选择。

5. Precision: Glass can be formed and shaped with high precision, making it suitable for manufacturing instruments with precise dimensions and features. This is particularly important for instruments used in delicate procedures, such as microsurgery.

6. Biocompatibility: Glass is generally biocompatible, meaning that it does not cause any adverse reactions when in contact with living tissue. This makes it suitable for use in implants and other devices that come into direct contact with the body.

7. Cost-effectiveness: Glass is a relatively inexpensive material, making it a cost-effective option for manufacturing medical instruments.

8. Historical use: Glass has been used in medical instruments for centuries, with a well-established body of knowledge and expertise in its use. This history of use adds to the reliability and acceptance of glass in医疗领域。

Overall, glass offers a combination of properties such as chemical inertness, transparency, sterilizability, durability, precision, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a valuable material for a wide range of medical instruments.