Steam sterilization
Also called: Autoclaving, moist-heat sterilization
Steam sterilization — Sterilization with saturated steam under pressure — the standard method for heat-tolerant instruments, commonly at 121 °C or 134 °C.
Steam kills microorganisms by transferring heat as it condenses on surfaces, which is why air removal matters: trapped air blocks steam contact. Common validated cycles are 121 °C held for at least 15 minutes and 134 °C held for at least 3 minutes, with local protocols often using longer times.
Routine monitoring combines the sterilizer’s physical records, a daily Bowie-Dick test for pre-vacuum machines, chemical indicators in each pack and biological indicators as policy requires.
Related termsBowie-Dick testClass B sterilizerEmulating indicator (Class 6)