Biological indicator

A Biological indicator (pronounced: /baɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtər/) is a device used to monitor the sterilization process for medical instruments. It contains microorganisms that are highly resistant to a particular sterilization process.

Etymology

The term "biological indicator" is derived from the Greek word "bios" meaning life, and the Latin word "indicare" meaning to point out or show.

Function

The purpose of a biological indicator is to provide a test system containing viable microorganisms providing a defined resistance to a specified sterilization process. A biological indicator provides direct evidence that microorganisms have been inactivated.

Types

There are several types of biological indicators, including spore strips, self-contained biological indicators, and spore suspensions. Each type has a specific application and level of resistance to sterilization processes.

Related Terms

Sterilization (microbiology): The process of eliminating all forms of life, including transmissible agents such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc. from a surface, a piece of equipment, food, or biological culture medium.
Microorganism: A microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
Spore: A minute, typically one-celled, reproductive unit capable of giving rise to a new individual without sexual fusion, characteristic of lower plants, fungi, and protozoans.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Biological indicator
Wikipedia's article - Biological indicator

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Biological indicator