What is the correct temperature for the operation of a flash sterilizer?

The correct temperature for the operation of a flash sterilizer is 132°C (270°F). This temperature is critical for achieving effective sterilization in a short period of time, specifically within a 3-minute cycle. Flash sterilization (also known as immediate or dynamic sterilization) is often used for instruments that are needed urgently, and the temperatures utilized are sufficiently high to ensure that all microorganisms, including spores, are destroyed.

Other temperatures listed, while they might be in the general range for sterilization, do not provide the required efficacy within the typical time frames expected for flash sterilization. Effectiveness at these lower temperatures or conditions may lead to inadequate sterilization, which could pose risks to patient safety. Hence, operating at 132°C (270°F) ensures that the sterilization process is both quick and effective, aligning with the safety protocols necessary in surgical settings.