Final answer:
Effective sterilization commonly uses an autoclave, a device that applies moist-heat sterilization, deemed more effective than UV light units or dry-heat sterilization methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effective sterilization typically requires the use of a autoclave. Autoclaves utilize moist-heat sterilization to raise temperatures above the boiling point of water, thereby effectively neutralizing various microorganisms, including viruses, vegetative cells, and particularly endospores, which can survive boiling temperatures.
Developed by Charles Chamberland in 1879, the autoclave is considered the most efficacious sterilization method in both laboratory and clinical settings.
While UV light units are useful for sterilizing instruments such as haircutting implements, they do not penetrate surfaces and thus are less effective for sterilization than autoclaves. Dry-heat sterilization is another method, using high heat or incineration, but moist-heat sterilization through an autoclave is typically more effective as it better penetrates microorganisms.