What process does steam sterilization utilize to heat items?

Steam sterilization primarily utilizes convection to heat items. This process relies on the movement of steam, which circulates around the items being sterilized, allowing the heat to transfer effectively. During steam sterilization, the moist heat penetrates the items, and as the steam comes into contact with the surfaces, it transfers thermal energy, resulting in the heating and sterilization of the materials.

Convection is especially significant in this context because the movement of steam can help ensure even distribution of heat throughout the sterilization chamber, which is necessary for achieving the desired sterility assurance levels. Additionally, the combination of steam and pressure increases the temperature above boiling point, enhancing the sterilization process.

In contrast, conduction, which involves heat transfer through a solid material, may play a role but is not the primary mechanism in steam sterilization. Radiation refers to the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which is not applicable in the standard steam sterilization process. Evaporation involves the conversion of liquid into gas, which does not directly relate to how steam sterilizes items. Thus, convection is the most accurate description of the process utilized in steam sterilization.