Ace the Surgical Tech Exam 2024 – Slice Through to Success!

The correct method for sterilizing surgical tools that ensures total microbial destruction is autoclaving. This process uses steam under pressure to achieve high temperatures that effectively kill all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The standard conditions for autoclaving generally involve maintaining a temperature of around 121°C (250°F) for at least 15 minutes, although specific times and temperatures can vary depending on the load and the contents. In contrast, the other methods listed do not guarantee total microbial destruction. Exposure to ethanol can disinfect but does not achieve sterilization, as some microorganisms may survive due to insufficient concentration or exposure time. Cold sterilization techniques utilize chemicals to disinfect instruments, but they may also not eradicate all types of microbes, particularly spores. Mechanical cleaning involves physically removing debris and contaminants but does not necessarily ensure sterility, as it does not kill pathogens.