Which of the following are key performance parameters for a steam sterilizer?

The key performance parameters for a steam sterilizer primarily include temperature, pressure, and time. These parameters are critical because they directly influence the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

Temperature is essential because it must be high enough to kill microorganisms. The standard temperature for steam sterilization is typically around 121°C to 134°C, depending on the specific protocols used.

Pressure plays a significant role as well. Increased pressure raises the boiling point of water, allowing steam to penetrate more effectively and uniformly into the items being sterilized. This aids in achieving the necessary temperature for sterilization.

Time is also a vital factor. It determines how long the items must be exposed to the high-temperature steam under pressure to ensure that all microorganisms are killed. Insufficient exposure time can lead to sterilization failures.

In contrast, other options include parameters that do not directly correlate with the key functions of a steam sterilizer. For instance, humidity and size are not primary factors in determining a sterilization cycle's success. Color change refers more to biological indicators or test strips that signal sterilization, rather than being a parameter of the sterilization process itself. Similarly, while energy and flow rate can impact operational aspects, they do not directly define the effectiveness of sterilization in the