What additional element does an autoclave use, alongside steam, to sterilize instruments?

An autoclave sterilizes instruments by combining steam with pressure, which is critical for effective sterilization. The pressure increases the boiling point of the water in the steam, allowing the steam to reach higher temperatures. This elevated temperature is crucial because it enhances the efficacy of the steam in killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores that may be present on medical instruments.

The combination of high temperature and pressure ensures that the steam penetrates well into the materials being sterilized, effectively destroying harmful microorganisms within a relatively short duration. This makes pressure an essential component of the sterilization process in an autoclave, emphasizing its importance in guaranteeing that instruments are safe for use in medical settings.

While heat is a factor (as it is necessary to generate steam), it is the pressure that is specifically added to enhance the sterilization process and create optimal conditions for the steam to perform its function effectively.