The gold standard for sterilizing instruments exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) is autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes because HBV is a resilient, heat-resistant virus that requires steam under pressure to achieve complete inactivation. Autoclaving ensures penetration of moist heat, effectively destroying all microbial life, including spores and viruses like HBV. Boiling, alcohol soaking, or washing with soap and water do not reliably inactivate HBV on instruments. Thus, autoclaving provides the most consistent and safe sterilization in clinical practice.

Reference: Medical Microbiology, Murray et al., 9th Edition.