What type of sterilization uses high-pressure steam?

The correct answer is autoclave sterilization because it specifically utilizes high-pressure steam to achieve sterilization. The autoclave operates by sealing instruments and other materials in a chamber where steam is generated and then pressurized. This process elevates the temperature, which is typically around 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, depending on the specific protocol followed. The combination of heat and pressure effectively kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores that can withstand lower temperatures, thus ensuring that the items are sterile and free from any viable microorganisms.

In contrast, chemical sterilization relies on liquid or gaseous chemicals, such as ethylene oxide, to disinfect items at lower temperatures, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials but not utilizing the steam and pressure mechanism characteristic of autoclaving. Dry heat sterilization uses hot air that is circulated and typically requires much longer exposure times and higher temperatures than steam sterilization, making it less effective for certain types of instruments. Wet heat sterilization generally refers to methods that employ moist heat but does not specify the use of high pressure, which is a critical aspect of autoclave sterilization. Thus, autoclave sterilization is the most accurate answer as it uniquely embodies the high-pressure steam method.