These self-contained biological indicators (SCBI) are intended for monitoring steam and ethylene oxide sterilization processes.

Each SCBI unit consists of a plastic vial, a crushable glass ampule with recovery media, and a paper disc inoculated with spores. The SCBI are ideal for use in sterilization processes where traditional biological indicator strips are used. They also eliminate the need for aseptic transfer of the biological indicator to the culture media. The SCBI offer reduced incubation periods of 24 hours for steam sterilization and 48 hours for ethylene oxide sterilization.