Biological indicators provide the best assurance of sterility by challenging the steriliser with quantifiable, highly resistant spores. After sterilisation, the vial is 'crushed' to join the growth media with the processed spore strip. A colour change to yellow indicates surviving spores and a positive result. Biological indicators are used for load control monitoring which is the process by which a load is monitored and released based on the result of a biological indicator (BI) in a test pack.

• The self-contained (BI) for 121 °C gravity/132 °C vacuum-assisted steam cycles consist of a Bacillus stearothermophilus spore strip
• With sealed glass ampule with growth medium and a bromocresol purple pH indicator system
• Brown color-coded cap with holes for sterilant penetration and a hydrophobic filter as a bacterial barrier, and a chemical indicator on the label that changes from rose to brown when processed
• Biological indicator vials are easy to use and interpret with visual colour readout in 48 hours
• Self-contained biological indicators significantly reduce possibility of contamination, minimising false positives and assuring more accurate results

Rapid Readout biological indicators include, disposable test packs, an auto-reader and log books for clear, non-interpretative biological results in just 1 - 4 hours. Use with 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 290.

The 3M™ A t t e s t™ 1292-S Rapid Readout Biological Indicator is appropriate for use in industrial steam sterilisation applications with appropriate validation by the end user. It is a reliable, convenient and accurate sterilisation monitoring indicator designed for validation and routine monitoring. The Attest 1292-S has been validated with a fluorescent Reduced Incubation Time (RIT) of 3 hours when used in conjunction with the 3M™ A t t e s t™ 293 or 290 Auto-readers, under specific test conditions. This proprietary technology from 3M can help improve inventory turns by allowing medical device manufacturers to speed supply chain throughput and reduce manufacturing unit cost. The economic benefit gained from a faster biological indicator final read time is measurable and sustainable.