Which apparatus is used for sterilizing material using superheated steam under pressure?

Which apparatus is used for sterilizing material using superheated steam under pressure?

• A. Incubator
• B. Autoclave
• C. Refrigerator
• D. Microwave

Answer: (B)

The apparatus used for sterilizing material using superheated steam under pressure is the autoclave. An autoclave operates by generating steam at a temperature above the boiling point of water, which is achieved by increasing the pressure inside the chamber. This method is effective for sterilizing a variety of materials, including surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and certain types of media, because it penetrates the materials thoroughly, ensuring that microorganisms, spores, and other pathogens are effectively killed. The process typically involves exposing the materials to high-pressure steam for a specified period, which not only kills microorganisms but also ensures that the heat is distributed evenly. This makes it a reliable method for achieving sterilization, especially in settings that require strict aseptic conditions, such as hospitals and research laboratories. Other options like an incubator, refrigerator, and microwave serve different purposes. Incubators are designed for maintaining optimal temperatures for microbial growth, refrigerators are used for cool storage to preserve biological samples, and microwaves are intended for heating food or substances but do not achieve the high pressures and steam conditions necessary for effective sterilization. Thus, the autoclave is the clear choice for sterilization through superheated steam under pressure.

The apparatus used for sterilizing material using superheated steam under pressure is the autoclave. An autoclave operates by generating steam at a temperature above the boiling point of water, which is achieved by increasing the pressure inside the chamber. This method is effective for sterilizing a variety of materials, including surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and certain types of media, because it penetrates the materials thoroughly, ensuring that microorganisms, spores, and other pathogens are effectively killed.

The process typically involves exposing the materials to high-pressure steam for a specified period, which not only kills microorganisms but also ensures that the heat is distributed evenly. This makes it a reliable method for achieving sterilization, especially in settings that require strict aseptic conditions, such as hospitals and research laboratories.

Other options like an incubator, refrigerator, and microwave serve different purposes. Incubators are designed for maintaining optimal temperatures for microbial growth, refrigerators are used for cool storage to preserve biological samples, and microwaves are intended for heating food or substances but do not achieve the high pressures and steam conditions necessary for effective sterilization. Thus, the autoclave is the clear choice for sterilization through superheated steam under pressure.