What is the temperature used for Autoclaving?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

The standard temperature for autoclaving (moist heat sterilization) is 121°C.
This temperature is achieved by using saturated steam under a pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi).
A holding time of 15-20 minutes at 121°C is required to ensure the destruction of all microorganisms, including highly resistant bacterial spores.
This method is considered the most effective and reliable for sterilizing most medical and laboratory equipment.

Option A: A temperature of 101°C is only slightly above the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure. It is insufficient to destroy bacterial spores and therefore cannot achieve sterilization.
Option C: While temperatures higher than 121°C are used in some sterilization cycles (e.g., 134°C for flash autoclaving), 130°C is not the standard temperature for routine autoclaving.
Option D: Similar to 130°C, 125°C is not the standard temperature for routine autoclaving. The universally recognized standard is 121°C.

Visual 1: Diagram - A labeled diagram of a vertical laboratory autoclave, showing the pressure chamber, lid, pressure gauge, safety valve, and heating element. This helps visualize the equipment used.
Visual 2: Chart - A comparative chart showing the temperature, pressure, and time requirements for different sterilization methods like Autoclaving, Hot Air Oven, and Flash Sterilization.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sterilization and Disinfection: Autoclaving Parameters as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper sterilization of medical equipment is a cornerstone of infection control, preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Nurses have a critical responsibility to ensure that instruments are properly sterilized before use. This includes checking sterilization indicators, such as chemical indicator tape (which changes color) or reviewing logs for biological indicator tests (spore tests).
What if? If a nurse notices that the chemical indicator tape on a supposedly sterile pack has not changed color, they must not use the pack. The entire load must be considered unsterile and reprocessed. Using improperly sterilized equipment can lead to severe patient infections.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept of the question, which is 'Autoclaving'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about standard sterilization procedures.
Recall the specific parameters for autoclaving: Temperature, Pressure, and Time.
The standard temperature for autoclaving is 121°C.
Compare this recalled fact with the given options and select the correct one.
Eliminate other options. 101°C is too low. 125°C and 130°C are not the standard, although higher temperatures are used in other specific cycles.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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