Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What type of equipment is used to sterilize articles by steam and pressure?

1. Incinerator

2. Autoclave

3. Refrigerator

4. Incubator

The correct answer is: Autoclave

The use of an autoclave is essential in healthcare and laboratory settings for the sterilization of equipment and materials. An autoclave achieves sterilization by utilizing steam under pressure, which raises the temperature beyond the boiling point of water. This method is particularly effective because the combination of heat and pressure not only kills bacteria and other pathogens but also ensures that they cannot survive the harsh conditions created inside the autoclave. This form of sterilization is critical for items that can withstand high temperatures and moisture, such as surgical instruments, laboratory glassware, and certain types of fabrics. The autoclave operates by creating a specific environment where the necessary temperature and pressure can be maintained for a predetermined period, effectively allowing for the destruction of spores and more resistant organisms. Other types of equipment mentioned serve different purposes: an incinerator is designed for the safe disposal of waste, a refrigerator is used for cooling and preserving items rather than sterilization, and an incubator is utilized for maintaining optimal conditions for the growth of biological cultures, not for sterilization purposes. This distinguishes the autoclave as the sole option that fulfills the requirement for steam and pressure sterilization.