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Steam sterilization is a widely used method that employs high-pressure steam to effectively eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. This process utilizes the principles of moist heat to achieve sterilization, with the steam reaching temperatures typically of about 121°C to 134°C (250°F to 273°F). The high temperature and moisture in the steam work together to kill microorganisms efficiently, making it a preferred technique in many healthcare settings.

The effectiveness of steam sterilization is enhanced by the pressure applied during the process, which raises the boiling point of water and ensures that the steam penetrates items thoroughly. This method is particularly well-suited for items that are not sensitive to moisture and heat, such as surgical instruments.

Other sterilization methods, while effective in different contexts, do not use high-pressure steam. For example, dry heat sterilization involves using hot air to sterilize items, chemical sterilization employs gases or liquids to disinfect surfaces, and radiation sterilization uses ionizing radiation. Each of these methods has specific applications, but for the systematic and reliable destruction of microorganisms using high-pressure steam, steam sterilization is the appropriate choice.