John R. Gillis

The authors report on the range and distribution of grow-out times for biological indicators exposed to sublethal sterilization processes.

The authors provide a review of test methodology and standards, including current industry and regulatory proposals, for biological indicator growout times.

This study used biological indicators containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores and a new technology to continuously monitor incubated BIs and record nonsterile results.

The authors examine advances in the design and the application of biological indicator evaluator resistometer vessels used to measure the resistance of bacterial spores in monitoring sterilization processes.

A biological indicator (BI) measures the effectiveness of the sterilization process to which it is subjected. Factors such as the test organism, the packaging, the culture material, and the test system all influence a BI's resistance. Carrier material is an often-overlooked factor that also influences BI resistance. The authors examine various solid and liquid carriers, describe their properties, and investigate how they influence BI resistance.