Which aseptic method uses sound waves to clean surgical instruments?

Ultrasonic sanitization is a method that utilizes sound waves, specifically ultrasonic waves, to create high-frequency vibrations in a cleaning solution. This process produces cavitation bubbles, which implode and create tiny shock waves that help dislodge debris and contaminants from the surfaces of surgical instruments.

This cleaning method is particularly effective for complex instruments with intricate designs and hard-to-reach parts, as the ultrasonic waves can penetrate small crevices and ensure thorough cleaning. While steam sterilization and autoclaving are effective sterilization techniques that use heat and pressure to kill microorganisms, they do not involve sound waves for cleaning. Chemical disinfection involves the use of chemical agents to kill pathogens but does not focus on the mechanical cleaning aspect that ultrasonic sanitization provides. Thus, ultrasonic sanitization is the correct choice for the process that specifically uses sound waves to clean surgical instruments.