Which method is primarily used for sterilization of surgical instruments?

Autoclaving is the primary method used for sterilization of surgical instruments because it effectively uses steam under pressure to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. This method is particularly advantageous due to its ability to penetrate various materials, ensuring that the instruments reach temperatures high enough to be sterilized thoroughly. The combination of heat and moisture in an autoclave is critical for achieving complete sterilization in a relatively short amount of time, typically around 15-30 minutes, depending on the load and instruments being sterilized.

While ultrasonic cleaning is an important step in the cleaning process before sterilization, it does not kill microorganisms. It is designed to remove debris and contaminants from instruments but is not a sterilization method on its own. Soaking in a solvent may help in cleaning instruments but cannot guarantee sterility and can potentially damage the instruments. Dry heat sterilization also serves as a method for sterilization, but it typically requires longer exposure times and higher temperatures compared to autoclaving, making it less efficient for many surgical instruments. Hence, autoclaving remains the gold standard for surgical instrument sterilization in a clinical setting.