What is the recommended temperature and pressure for steam sterilization using an autoclave?

The recommended temperature and pressure for steam sterilization using an autoclave is 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi. This combination is widely recognized as effective for achieving sterility in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings.

The reason this specific temperature and pressure are effective stems from their ability to destroy a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, through the application of saturated steam. At 121 degrees Celsius, the heat penetrates materials effectively, and the pressure of 15 psi helps to maintain the integrity of the steam, ensuring that it reaches all surfaces of the items being sterilized.

Other combinations of temperature and pressure, while they may involve higher temperatures or different pressures, do not meet the criteria established for effective sterilization within the recommended guidelines. For instance, lower temperatures, like those in the first option, do not provide sufficient energy to inactivate most pathogens. Higher temperatures, such as those in the last option, while capable of sterilizing, are not standard for autoclaving as they can viably compromise materials that may not withstand such extreme conditions. Thus, the 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi is recognized as the optimal set point for reliable steam sterilization in a variety of clinical and laboratory settings.