What does liquid sterilisation use?

• A. Liquid heat
• B. Liquid chemical in a steriliser
• C. Gaseous sterilant
• D. Mechanical scrubbing

Answer: (B)

Liquid sterilisation relies on immersing instruments in a liquid chemical sterilant. The process uses a properly prepared chemical solution kept in a steriliser, and items are fully submerged for a defined dwell time so the chemical can kill all microorganisms, including resistant forms, on the surfaces. This approach is especially used for equipment that could be damaged by heat, since it doesn’t involve high temperatures. It requires correct concentration, exposure time, and post-immersion rinsing and drying, along with safe handling due to chemical hazards and potential residues. The other options don’t fit because they rely on heat (liquid heat), gas in the form of a sterilising vapor (gaseous sterilant), or cleaning rather than sterilising through chemical immersion (mechanical scrubbing).