Question 9

Boiling it in water for 15 minutes is the next most effective method of sterilization.

Boiling a metal probe in water for 15 minutes effectively kills most bacteria, viruses, and some spores, making it a suitable alternative to steam sterilization when the latter is not available.

A) washing it in soap and water

Washing an instrument in soap and water is primarily a cleaning method rather than a sterilization technique. While it removes debris and some microorganisms, it does not ensure complete sterility, as many pathogens can survive this process.

B) boiling it in water for 15 minutes

Boiling the metal probe in water for 15 minutes is an effective method of sterilization. This process can achieve temperatures high enough to kill most microorganisms, making it a viable alternative when steam sterilization is unavailable.

C) dipping it into a concentrated acid solution

Dipping the probe into a concentrated acid solution may damage the metal and is not a standard method for sterilization. While some acids can kill bacteria, they are not reliable for achieving complete sterility and could lead to corrosion of the instrument.

D) heating it in a hot oven at 160° for 20 minutes

Heating an instrument in a hot oven at 160° for 20 minutes is a method known as dry heat sterilization, which can be effective but requires specific conditions to ensure proper sterilization. It is less effective than boiling for immediate sterilization because it may not penetrate the material as effectively as steam or boiling water.

Conclusion

Boiling the metal probe in water for 15 minutes is the best alternative to steam sterilization as it effectively eliminates a wide range of microorganisms, ensuring the instrument is safe for use. Other options, such as washing with soap, using concentrated acids, or dry heat, either do not guarantee sterility or may damage the instrument. Therefore, boiling is the most suitable and reliable method available in this context.