Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

In steam sterilization, the step that follows air removal is the exposure phase. During this step, the items being sterilized are exposed to saturated steam at a specified temperature and pressure for a determined amount of time. This exposure is critical as it allows the heat and steam to penetrate the items and effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and spores.

Air removal is essential prior to this exposure phase because residual air can act as an insulator, preventing steam from reaching and penetrating the surfaces of the items needing sterilization. Effective air removal ensures that the steam can come into direct contact with every surface, allowing for optimal sterilization conditions. The timing and conditions of exposure are carefully controlled according to established protocols to ensure that the items are sterilized successfully.

After the exposure phase, there may be additional steps like drying, but it is the exposure to steam that is crucial for achieving sterilization.