Final answer:
To properly sanitize items, you must submerge them in a sanitizing solution such as 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for at least 1 minute, while more intensive sterilization methods like autoclaving require at least 20 minutes at high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sanitizing items, especially in a laboratory or healthcare setting, submerging the item for the appropriate amount of time is crucial for effective disinfection. The time required can vary depending on the sanitizing solution used but is typically not less than 1 minute when using a strong basic solution like 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or a 1:10 dilution of bleach. Additionally, certain protocols such as autoclaving require items to be exposed to high temperatures of 121 °C to 132 °C for at least 20 minutes to ensure complete sterilization. It is important to follow the recommended exposure time and method for the type of equipment and level of contamination to ensure that all microbes, including endospores, are effectively killed.