Sterilization:

It is the process of exposing articles to steam heat under pressure or the chemical disinfectants long enough to kill all microorganisms and spores.

Exposure to steam at 18 pounds of pressure at a temperature of 125oc for 15 minutes will kill even the toughest organisms. A pressure steam sterilizer is called an autoclave.

Some chemicals also can be used to sterilize an object. However, chemical disinfectants powerful enough to destroy germs or extreme temperature cannot be used on certain articles, such as plastic.

Sharp cutting instruments usually sterilized by dry heat, or chemicals. To day, however, most sharps such as scalpels, and suture removal scissors- are disposable. Needles used for injections are always discarded. Other methods of sterilization include radiation and gas sterilization with ethylene oxide.