Body Art Practice Practice Test

What is the minimum temperature required for an autoclave to effectively sterilize instruments?

1. 200 F

2. 250 F

3. 300 F

4. 350 F

The correct answer is: 250 F

For effective sterilization of instruments, an autoclave must reach a minimum temperature of 250°F (approximately 121°C). This temperature is crucial because it is the point at which steam can penetrate and kill spores and bacteria that are resistant to other forms of cleaning. The process relies not only on temperature but also on maintaining that heat for a specified period under pressure. At 250°F, the high-pressure environment allows for faster penetration of steam, which is essential for ensuring that all surfaces and crevices of the instruments are adequately sterilized. Reaching this minimum temperature helps in achieving a sterilization cycle that adheres to health and safety standards. Instruments sterilized at this temperature, under the right conditions, effectively reduce the risk of infection or contamination in body art practices. Therefore, this choice is recognized as the standard for sterilization in a variety of healthcare settings, including those involving body art.