Which sterilization indicator confirms sterility via spore tests?

Which sterilization indicator confirms sterility via spore tests?

• A. Chemical indicators
• B. Biological indicators
• C. Integrators
• D. Physical indicators

Answer: (B)

Biological indicators directly test for sterility by using highly resistant spores. When placed with a load, they endure the same sterilization conditions as the items being sterilized. After the cycle, the indicator is incubated to see if any spores survive and grow. If there is no growth, it demonstrates that the process achieved sterility for that load. In contrast, chemical indicators show exposure, physical indicators track parameters like time and temperature, and integrators document exposure but do not prove that all microbes were killed. So, spore-testing sterility confirmation is achieved with biological indicators.

Biological indicators directly test for sterility by using highly resistant spores. When placed with a load, they endure the same sterilization conditions as the items being sterilized. After the cycle, the indicator is incubated to see if any spores survive and grow. If there is no growth, it demonstrates that the process achieved sterility for that load. In contrast, chemical indicators show exposure, physical indicators track parameters like time and temperature, and integrators document exposure but do not prove that all microbes were killed. So, spore-testing sterility confirmation is achieved with biological indicators.