What is the most commonly used method of sterilization in healthcare settings?

Steam sterilization, commonly referred to as autoclaving, is the most widely used method of sterilization in healthcare settings due to its effectiveness and efficiency. The process involves the use of high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, ensuring that instruments and materials are thoroughly sterilized.

This method is favored because it is relatively quick, typically taking only a matter of minutes to achieve sterilization, depending on the load being processed. The combination of high temperature and moisture in steam is particularly effective at penetrating materials and ensuring that all surfaces of the instruments are sterilized. Additionally, autoclaving is suitable for a wide range of medical instruments and items, including surgical tools, fabrics, and glassware.

Moreover, steam sterilization is cost-effective and does not leave harmful residues, making it safe for both the equipment being sterilized and the patients who will later use them. Environmental and safety considerations further support its prevalence, as this method does not involve toxic materials that could pose risks to healthcare workers or patients.

In contrast, options like ethylene oxide sterilization, radiation sterilization, and dry heat sterilization have specific uses and limitations that make them less common for general sterilization in everyday healthcare practice. Ethylene oxide is primarily