Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Guide for Exam Success!

In steam sterilization, increasing the temperature above 212°F is essential for effective sterilization, and this is achieved through the application of pressure. At standard atmospheric pressure, water boils at 212°F, resulting in steam that is at that same temperature. However, by increasing the pressure within the sterilization chamber, the boiling point of water is elevated, which allows steam to reach higher temperatures.

For instance, at 15 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, the steam temperature can exceed 250°F, which is necessary for proper sterilization of medical equipment and supplies. This elevated temperature is critical in killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may not be eradicated at lower temperatures.

Using gravity, a vacuum, or just steam alone does not sufficiently increase the temperature beyond the boiling point of water under normal conditions, thus making pressure a crucial component in the steam sterilization process.