Question
What is the most appropriate method to sterilize disposable pipettes?
| A. |
Microwave
|
| B. |
Ethanol
|
| C. |
Autoclave
|
| D. |
Hot air oven
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » D
Explanation
|
|
Glass pipettes are heat-resistant glassware and are appropriately sterilized by dry heat using a hot air oven.
The supplied study material specifically lists glassware among the materials sterilized using a hot air oven.
Hot air oven:
- Method: Dry heat sterilization
- Used for: Glassware, glass syringes, forceps, scissors, scalpels, and swabs
- Standard temperature: 160°C
- Duration: 1 hour according to the supplied notes; another section lists 160°C for 2 hours.
Why the other options are incorrect
A. Microwave: Not a standard method for sterilizing glass pipettes.
B. Ethanol: Used primarily for disinfection and is not a reliable sterilization method because it does not destroy bacterial spores.
C. Autoclave: Autoclaving can sterilize suitable laboratory glassware, but for this examination question, the expected method for glass pipettes is hot air oven.
