Final answer:
Inside a steam sterilizer, heat is provided by steam under pressure, exceeding the boiling point of water, known as moist-heat sterilization, and it's prevented from condensation through two main types of autoclaves: gravity displacement and prevacuum sterilizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heat inside the chamber of a steam sterilizer, such as an autoclave, and the prevention of condensation are crucial for its operation and effectiveness in sterilizing medical and laboratory equipment. The heat is provided by steam that is trapped within the sterilizer, creating pressures and temperatures that exceed the boiling point of water. This method is called moist-heat sterilization and it’s significantly more effective than dry-heat because it penetrates microbial cells better, ensuring a thorough sterilization process.
There are two main types of autoclaves that prevent air from inhibiting this process: gravity displacement autoclaves and prevacuum sterilizers. In gravity displacement autoclaves, steam enters from the top, pushing air out of a vent at the bottom due to the higher density of air. On the other hand, prevacuum sterilizers first use a vacuum to remove all air before introducing steam, allowing for more efficient penetration of steam even in packaged items.
The aseptic technique often employs dry-heat sterilization protocols for heat-stable items, while moist-heat sterilization using autoclaves is most effective for a wide range of equipment, various microbiological media, and even some food preservation processes.