Which piece of equipment is commonly used in laboratories to sterilize objects by applying high-pressure steam?

• A. Laminar flow hood
• B. Incubator
• C. Autoclave
• D. Refrigerator

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of sterilization in microbiology laboratories, which is to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including spores, to prevent contamination.
2. Recognize that sterilization by high-pressure steam is a common and effective method because steam under pressure can reach temperatures above 100°C, which is necessary to kill resistant microorganisms.
3. Identify the equipment designed to use high-pressure steam for sterilization, which is known as an autoclave.
4. Differentiate the autoclave from other laboratory equipment: a laminar flow hood provides a sterile environment but does not sterilize objects; an incubator is used to grow cultures at controlled temperatures; a refrigerator is used to store samples at low temperatures.
5. Conclude that the autoclave is the correct piece of equipment used to sterilize objects by applying high-pressure steam in microbiology laboratories.