Heat disinfection and sterilization
Heat is the most common among the physical agents used for the decontamination of pathogens. “Dry” heat, which is totally non-corrosive, is used to process many items of laboratory ware which can withstand temperatures of 160°C or higher for 2–4 h.
Burning or incineration (see below) is also a form of dry heat. “Moist” heat is most effective when used in the form of autoclaving.
Boiling does not necessarily kill all microorganisms and/or pathogens, but it may be used as the minimum processing for disinfection where other methods (chemical disinfection or decontamination, autoclaving) are not applicable or available.
Sterilized items must be handled and stored such that they remain uncontaminated until used.