CRCST Practice Exam

What is the heat transfer process used to heat items in steam sterilization called?

1. Conduction

2. Convection

3. Radiation

4. Evaporation

The correct answer is: Convection

In steam sterilization, the heat transfer process used to heat items is called convection. Convection involves the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid, in this case, steam. Steam surrounds the items being sterilized, transferring its heat to them efficiently and effectively. Conduction (Option A) is the transfer of heat through direct contact, which is not the primary method used in steam sterilization. Radiation (Option C) involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which is not how items are heated in steam sterilization. Evaporation (Option D) is the process of liquid turning into vapor, which is not the heat transfer process used to heat items in steam sterilization.