Which device is typically used for sterilization?

The autoclave is the device typically used for sterilization. This is because it uses pressurized steam to kill microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, effectively ensuring that instruments and materials are free from any viable pathogens. The process involves applying high heat to items in a sealed chamber, creating an environment where both temperature and pressure are raised to levels that are lethal to infectious agents.

In contrast, the other devices serve different purposes. A microscope is used for observing small structures and organisms, allowing for analysis rather than sterilization. An incubator provides a controlled environment for the growth of bacteria or cells by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, which is contrary to the aim of sterilization. A refrigerator, on the other hand, is intended to slow down microbial growth by reducing temperature but does not sterilize items. Each device has a unique role in laboratory and clinical settings, with the autoclave being specifically designed to ensure sterility.