Self-Contained Spore Ampoules For Steam

Bionova® BT23 Biological Indicator has been designed for

monitoring steam sterilization processes at temperatures

between 121 ºC and 134 ºC. The device consists of a glass

ampoule containing spores of the non-pathogenic

microorganism Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953.

The culture medium has been specifically designed to change

its color when microbial growth occurs.

The spore population contained in the biological indicator is

killed after an efficient steam sterilization cycle. At lower

temperatures or lower exposure times, some spores may

survive and thus might be capable of growing. This growth can

be detected by the indicator medium which turns from violet to

yellow after 48 hours of incubation @ 60 ºC. Conversely, if the

sterilization process has been effective, there is no microbial

growth and the ampoule medium maintains its original color.