What sterilisation factors are used for rubber?

• A. PSI: 20, TEMP: 125, TIME: 40mins
• B. PSI: 15, TEMP: 121, TIME: 30mins
• C. PSI: 15, TEMP: 118, TIME: 20mins
• D. PSI: 10, TEMP: 120, TIME: 30mins

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that steam sterilization relies on a precise combination of temperature, pressure, and time to kill all microorganisms, including spores. For rubber items used in veterinary practice, a validated and commonly used cycle is saturated steam at about 15 psi to reach 121°C, with a 30-minute exposure. This setting provides reliable sterility for rubber instruments and materials that may have lumens or folds, ensuring penetration and adequate kill without being excessive for the material.

The other cycles either don’t reach the standard 121°C, use nonstandard pressures, or apply temperatures and times that aren’t as reliably validated for rubber loads. So the 15 psi, 121°C, 30 minutes combination is the best fit.