What does a biological indicator contain?

A biological indicator contains non-pathogenic spores that are specifically used to test the efficacy of sterilization processes. These spores are typically derived from bacteria that are known for their resistance to sterilization methods, such as steam or Ethylene Oxide. When subjected to a sterilization process, if the indicator achieves a negative result, this indicates that the spores were effectively killed, thus confirming that the sterilization conditions were adequate. The use of these non-pathogenic spores provides a reliable means of monitoring the effectiveness of sterilization, as they emulate the resistance of potential infectious microorganisms that might be encountered in clinical settings.