What is involved in sterile processing by heat?
Sterilization is defined as the destruction or removal (by filtration) of all microorganisms and their spores. Sterilization is usually achieved via heat or radiation. Sterilization by heat may be achieved by autoclaving, dry heat in hot air ovens, or boiling. Autoclaves can terminally sterilize products that can withstand a temperature of 121 C for 30 minutes. There are two types of autoclaves: pressure cooker type and gravity displacement models with automatic air and condensate discharge. Steam sterilization is a process of killing microorganisms through the application of moist heat (saturated steam) under pressure. Heat destroys the cell’s essential structures, including the cytoplasmic membrane. The rate of at which bacterial cells are destroyed depends on the temperature and time of heat exposure.
