Lab Chemist Interview Question:

Tell me what are different sterilization methods used in laboratory?

Submitted by: Muhammad

The most common methods of sterilization practised in lab are

☛ Dry heat: Specimen containing bacteria is exposed to high temperature
☛ Wet heat: Pressurised steam is used to kill microbes, for example, autoclave that is like pressure cooker that produces steam.
☛ Filtration: Filtration is used where filters are as small as 0.2um is used
☛ Radiation: UV has limited penetration, so it is generally safe to use although it is less effective to X-rays and gamma rays. X-rays and gamma rays are used only for special purposes only
☛ Solvent: Solvent like ethanol and iso-propanol kills microbial cells but not the spores
Submitted by: Muhammad