What are the specific conditions of autoclave pressure, temperature, and time for sterilization?

The specific conditions of autoclave sterilization are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the process in eliminating microorganisms, including bacterial spores that are resistant to lower temperatures and pressures. The correct combination of pressure, temperature, and time is essential to achieve thorough sterilization.

A pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi), a temperature of 121.5 degrees Celsius, and a time of 15 minutes is widely recognized in sterilization protocols as optimal for steam sterilization in autoclaves. At this temperature and pressure, steam penetrates the materials being sterilized effectively and maintains a sufficiently high level of heat to denature proteins and kill microorganisms.

These parameters are based on well-established guidelines and are used in both healthcare settings and laboratories to ensure that instruments, glassware, and other materials are properly sterilized. This specific combination has been shown to be effective across a wide range of microorganisms, which is why it is considered the standard for autoclave sterilization.