What method does an autoclave use to sterilize equipment?

An autoclave uses steam under pressure as its method for sterilizing equipment. This process is highly effective because the high temperature and pressure combine to create a hostile environment for microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. When water is heated in the autoclave, it turns into steam, which can penetrate various materials, ensuring that heat is delivered effectively throughout the items being sterilized.

By maintaining a high pressure, the boiling point of water increases, allowing the steam to reach temperatures of 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and higher. This temperature is sufficient to destroy most pathogens in a matter of minutes. The pressure also helps ensure that steam carries heat effectively and penetrates porous materials, which is essential for thorough sterilization.

Choosing steam under pressure as the correct answer illustrates the significance of utilizing heat-based methods in contexts where high levels of sterilization are required, such as in healthcare settings. Other methods, while effective in certain circumstances, do not match the efficiency and reliability of an autoclave's steam sterilization process for medical instruments and lab equipment.