Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Dry heat sterilization is a process that employs elevated temperatures to eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, from instruments and materials. The method relies on the principle that high temperatures will denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and ultimately kill the microorganisms. Typically, the process takes longer than other sterilization methods, such as steam sterilization, due to the nature of heat transfer in dry heat.

The timeframe of 1-6 hours for dry heat sterilization is appropriate because it ensures that adequate exposure time at the required temperature (usually around 160-180 degrees Celsius, or 320-356 degrees Fahrenheit) can effectively sterilize the loads. This extended exposure time is crucial for allowing the heat to penetrate well into the load being sterilized, ensuring that all items reach the necessary temperature.

Furthermore, the specifics of time can depend on various factors such as load size, type of materials being sterilized, and the desired sterility assurance level. Hence, the 1-6 hour range provides the necessary flexibility and reliability to achieve complete sterilization without compromising on efficacy.