An autoclave is a device to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure steam at 121° C or more. Sterilization (or sterilization, see spelling differences) refers to any process that effectively kills or eliminates transmissible agents (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc.) from a surface, equipment, article of food or medication, or biological culture medium. A widely-used method for heat sterilization is the autoclave, sometimes called a converter. Autoclaves commonly use steam heated to 121°C (250°F) or 134°C (270°F). To achieve sterility, a holding time of at least 15 minutes at 121°C or 3 minutes at 134°C is required. Additional sterilizing time is usually required for liquids and instruments packed in layers of cloth, as they may take longer to