PHYSICAL METHODS OF STERILIZATION
Heat kills all types of bacteria. Boiling is the most commonly used method in day-to-day working
Heat is the safest and most useful agent for sterilization in hospitals. Methods of applying heat for sterilization are exposure to steam under pressure, boiling, etc
Boiling (Moist heating): boiling an instrument/article immersed fully in boiling water (100 degree Celcius) for 10 minutes will kill most of the pathogenic organisms
General Instructions
- The articles should be clean
- The articles should be fully immersed in water
- Close the sterilizer lid tightly
- Note the time after the water has started to boil
- Boil it for 7 to 10 minutes
- Remove the articles with chattel forceps
Precautions
- Do not pick articles in between, when the boiling is in process
- Do not boil sharp instruments such as scissors, knives, needles, etc. because boiling blunt them
Advantages
- Boiling can be used in the home environment and other situation
- It is one of the economic ways of sterilizing articles
Disadvantages
- Some bacteria and viruses and all spores are resistant to boiling
- Boiling method cannot be used for the articles which are destroyed by moisture and heat
