Sterilization is the process of killing all living microorganisms. There is no degree of sterility - an item is either sterile or non-sterile. Common sterilization methods include heat (steam or dry heat) and chemicals like ethylene oxide. Steam sterilization using an autoclave is the most common method. It involves 5 phases: loading, heating, microbial destruction during the time-temperature exposure, drying/cooling, and testing. Proper packaging, storage, and periodic testing of sterilizers is required to ensure sterility is achieved and maintained.