What are the minimum temperature and exposure time required for steam sterilization?

The minimum temperature and exposure time for effective steam sterilization is indeed 121°C for a duration of at least 30 minutes. This standard is established to ensure that microorganisms, including bacterial spores, are effectively killed during the sterilization process.

At 121°C, the steam penetrates the items being sterilized, ensuring that the temperature is uniformly reached throughout the load. The 30-minute exposure time is crucial, as it allows for sufficient contact between the steam and the items, ensuring thorough sterilization. This time frame is recognized for its effectiveness in achieving a high reduction of microbial load.

Other temperatures listed, such as 100°C or 135°C, do not meet the criteria established for successful steam sterilization. For instance, 100°C is not sufficiently high to achieve the necessary lethality, and although 135°C for 15 minutes might seem effective, it is not the conventional standard used in the healthcare industry. The established guidelines prioritize 121°C for 30 minutes as a reliable method for sterilization across diverse healthcare and industrial settings.