Which method is commonly employed for sterilizing laboratory instruments?

Autoclaving is a widely used method for sterilizing laboratory instruments because it effectively eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The process involves using moist heat at high temperatures and pressure, typically reaching about 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) at 15 psi for a set period of time. This combination of heat and pressure penetrates materials thoroughly, making it particularly effective for sterilizing liquids, equipment, and even certain types of media that may not withstand dry heat.

In contrast, while filtration can remove microorganisms from liquids or gases, it does not sterilize by killing them. Incubation is a process used to grow microorganisms under controlled conditions, not to sterilize instruments. Radiation, such as ultraviolet light or gamma radiation, is also a method for sterilization but is less commonly used for laboratory instruments compared to autoclaving due to equipment and safety considerations. This makes autoclaving the preferred method in many laboratory settings for ensuring the sterility of instruments.