Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The main method used for sterilizing surgical instruments is autoclaving. Autoclaving involves the use of steam under pressure to achieve the high temperatures necessary to kill all forms of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. This process typically reaches temperatures of around 121–134 degrees Celsius (250–273 degrees Fahrenheit) for a specified duration, ensuring that instruments are rendered completely sterile and safe for use in surgical procedures.

Autoclaving is widely regarded as the gold standard in sterilization because it is effective against a broad range of pathogens and is reliable when the correct procedures and parameters are followed. It is particularly suitable for materials that can withstand heat and moisture, which is common for surgical instruments.

In contrast, chemical disinfection and high-level disinfection are processes that may reduce the number of pathogens but do not guarantee the complete destruction of all microbial life, especially spores. These methods are often used for instruments that cannot withstand high heat or moisture. Ultraviolet light treatment, while useful for disinfecting surfaces or air, is not effective as a standalone method for sterilizing surgical instruments since it may not penetrate all areas of an item and does not guarantee complete sterilization.