Since the spores and the media are mixed together, no vial crushing or activation is required after processing. The ampules contain spores suspended in a culture broth solution. stearothermophilus spores for use with steam processes. The readers displays a “red light” for positive results or a “green light” for negative results. Some spore vials can also be placed into a special incubator/reader, which delivers rapid results (in one hour). The pH indicator in the growth media changes from purple to yellow with the generation of acid. Some self-contained spore vials may include a pH indicator system in the glass ampule of the sterile media. Significant failures could be detected in ≤24 hours. The vials are then incubated at the appropriate temperature for a maximum of 48 hours.

After processing, the BI is activated by crushing the vial (manually or with a device) to allow the culture media to come in contact with the spore strip. Self-contained spore vials include a glass ampule of sterile media surrounded by a plastic vial with a spore strip inside. Growth (a cloudy tube) indicates the test is positive (i.e., sterilization failure). No growth (a clear tube) indicates the test is negative. After processing, using an aseptic technique, the pouches are opened and the strips are placed into a tube of sterile culture media for incubation (at a specified temperature for up to 7 days). The pouches are placed into packages and processed. Spore strips, small strips of thick filter paper covered with spores, are enclosed in glassine pouches. BIs come in three forms: spore strips, self-contained spore vials, and spore ampules. BIs should be placed in the sterilizer in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.

However, a BI must be processed in every load containing an implant and the implant should be quarantined until the result of the spore test is known. In oral healthcare facilities, BIs should be processed with a load in all sterilizers at least weekly. Bacterial spores in the test products are more resistant and are present in greater numbers than common microbial contaminants found on patient-care items. atrophaeus) spores test dry heat sterilizers. stearothermophilus) spores test steam and unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizers. Biological indicators (BIs), or spore tests, assess directly the killing of known highly resistant, nonpathogenic bacterial spores.

Biologic spore testing