What is autoclaving primarily used for in laboratory settings?

Autoclaving is primarily used for sterilizing materials in laboratory settings. This process involves using steam under pressure to achieve high temperatures, typically around 121°C (250°F) for a specified period. The combination of high temperature and pressure effectively kills a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making it an essential method for ensuring that laboratory equipment, culture media, and glassware are free from contamination.

The effectiveness of autoclaving makes it a standard procedure in laboratories, especially when preparing for experiments that require aseptic techniques. It ensures a sterile environment, which is crucial in microbiology for obtaining reliable results and preventing cross-contamination between samples.