What is the temperature and time required for steam under pressure sterilization?

The appropriate temperature and time for steam under pressure sterilization typically involves maintaining a temperature of approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit for a duration of 20-30 minutes. This method effectively uses steam to achieve sterilization by killing microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. The pressure helps to increase the boiling point of water, ensuring that the sterilization process is efficient.

The choice of 20-30 minutes at this temperature helps to ensure that all areas of the load being sterilized can reach the necessary conditions to achieve an effective sterilization outcome. Although different protocols may apply depending on the specific items being sterilized and the steam sterilizer being used, this answer represents a widely accepted standard that balances effectiveness with practical application.

In this context, other temperature and time combinations may not achieve the same sterilization effectiveness or are less commonly recognized for routine sterilization processes. Therefore, the choice that specifies 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes is the most aligned with established sterilization practices in clinical settings.