Biological indicators have been used for many years by healthcare facilities. They provide a level of confidence in the sterilization process. However, this is not the only reason biological indicators are used. This 2-part interactive eLearning course will begin with reviewing the basics on BIs including why they are used, and the standards developed to support their use. In the second part of this course we will discuss how BIs actually work..

• List reasons why healthcare facilities use Biological Indicators (BIs)
  
• Identify the nationally recognized organizations that set policies or recommendations on use of BIs within healthcare facilities
• Identify how BIs function
• Explain the design of BIs
• Explain the difference between enzyme detection and spore growth

• Define sterilization
  
• Explain the importance of steam in steam sterilization
• Define Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) and how it relates to log reduction
• Explain the phases of sterilization and interpret a cycle graph
• Identify what occurs to the bacterial spores within a Biological Indicator during the phases of sterilization
• Identify the importance of a Chemical Indicator to ensure sterilization parameters have been met during a cycle