What does a non-sterilizable catheter typically indicate?

A non-sterilizable catheter typically indicates that it cannot withstand high temperatures. This characteristic is crucial because sterilization processes often involve the application of heat, such as autoclaving, which is not suitable for materials that cannot endure such temperatures without compromising their integrity. Many non-sterilizable catheters are made from materials that would degrade, lose strength, or alter their physical properties when exposed to high heat, making them unsuitable for sterilization methods that utilize steam or dry heat.

Understanding this aspect helps clarify the importance of material selection in medical device manufacturing. Non-sterilizable catheters often serve their intended purpose effectively without the need for sterilization, thus simplifying usage in certain scenarios but also placing emphasis on the practice of disposing of them after single use to prevent infection or contamination.