Which sterilization method uses pressurized steam?

The method that uses pressurized steam for sterilization is the autoclave. An autoclave utilizes steam under high pressure to achieve temperatures that effectively kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores that are often resistant to other sterilization methods. The process typically involves heating water to create steam, which is then confined within a sealed chamber. As pressure increases, the boiling point of water rises, enabling the steam to reach temperatures of around 121-134 degrees Celsius (250-273 degrees Fahrenheit) for a specified duration, ensuring thorough sterilization.

In the context of infection control, the autoclave is particularly valued for its effectiveness, speed, and ability to sterilize items that can withstand moisture and high temperatures, such as surgical instruments and laboratory equipment. Its reliance on steam makes it a more efficient and broadly effective method compared to chemical solutions, dry heat, or radiation, which use different mechanisms that may not achieve the same level of sterilization for all types of pathogens.