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The process utilized by an autoclave for sterilization is steam under pressure. Autoclaves operate by creating a high-pressure environment that allows steam to reach temperatures above boiling point, typically around 121°C to 135°C (250°F to 275°F). This high temperature is essential for effectively killing all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, making it one of the most reliable methods for sterilization in healthcare settings.

The use of steam is particularly effective because it not only provides heat but also penetrates materials, ensuring that the interior of instruments and equipment is sterilized thoroughly. The combination of heat, moisture, and pressure works synergistically to inactivate pathogens more effectively than dry heat or chemical methods alone.

While dry heat may also be used for sterilization, it usually requires much higher temperatures and longer exposure times, making steam under pressure more efficient and widely adopted in medical and laboratory settings. Chemical disinfectants and UV radiation are methods typically used for disinfection rather than sterilization, as they do not guarantee the complete eradication of all microbial life.