Current instability is observed for silicon nanowire field-effect transistors operating in electrolytes with Pt gate electrodes. A comparative study involving an Ag/AgCl-reference gate electrode reveals that the effect results from a drift in the potential at the Pt-electrode/electrolyte interface. In a phosphate buffer saline of pH 7.4, the stabilization of the potential of the Pt electrode was found to require approximately 1000 s. A concurrent potential drift, with a comparable time constant, occurring at the electrolyte/oxidized-nanowire interface rendered a complex device current response which complicated the interpretation of the results. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3584082] All rights reserved.