Which of the following is NOT an approved method of sterilization?

The correct answer is based on the fact that disinfectants are designed primarily to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces and can reduce the number of pathogenic organisms to safe levels, but they do not ensure complete sterility. In contrast, methods such as autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, and gas sterilization are recognized as approved methods for achieving sterilization, which means they eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Autoclaving uses steam under pressure to reach high temperatures that effectively kill microorganisms. Dry heat sterilization employs elevated temperatures over a longer period to achieve the same result without moisture, making it suitable for materials that may be damaged by moisture. Gas sterilization, often using ethylene oxide, is effective for heat-sensitive items as it penetrates into the materials and kills microorganisms effectively.

In contrast, while disinfectants can significantly reduce microbial load, they do not achieve the same sterility level required in medical and electrolysis settings, emphasizing their distinction from true sterilization methods.