Which of the following devices uses steam to sterilize equipment and deactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores?

The device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and deactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, is the autoclave. Autoclaves work by subjecting equipment to high-pressure steam at high temperatures, typically around 121°C (250°F) or higher. This method ensures that even the most resistant pathogens, such as spores, are effectively destroyed, providing a level of sterilization that is crucial in beauty and health care settings where safety and hygiene are paramount.

In contrast, other devices serve different purposes. Sanitizers often reduce the number of microbes on surfaces, but they do not necessarily eliminate all forms of life or require the high-pressure steam technology that autoclaves do. Disinfectants are chemical solutions that kill or deactivate many pathogenic microorganisms, but they do not provide the same level of assurance against all types of microorganisms as autoclaving does. Ultrasonic cleaners, on the other hand, use high-frequency sound waves to agitate a fluid, creating cavitation bubbles that help remove contaminants from items, but they do not sterilize through steam or heat.

The autoclave is specifically designed for sterilization, making it the most effective choice for ensuring that tools and equipment are free from all forms of