Which statement about UV sterilisation is true?

• A. It uses steam under pressure
• B. It uses UV light to sterilize and requires turning items
• C. It heats beads to 130°C
• D. It sterilizes only metal objects

Answer: (B)

UV sterilisation works by using UV-C light to inactivate microorganisms, damaging their DNA or RNA so they can’t replicate. Because UV light only hits surfaces it shines on, you often need to turn or reposition items to expose all sides, ensuring a more complete sterilisation. The idea of steaming under pressure describes an autoclave, which uses heat and moisture, not UV. Heating beads to a high temperature is a heat-based method rather than UV. And UV isn’t limited to metal objects; it can affect many materials, though some substances can block UV or be unsuitable. So the statement that it uses UV light to sterilize and requires turning items best captures how UV sterilisation is typically applied.