Biological indicator for sterilization processes

A sterility indicator which comprises in combination;

• (a) means defining a transparent deformable outer plastic shell having liquid impermeable and substantially non-gas absoptive walls, said shell having a first and second compartment which communicate through a channel, said first compartment having at least one opening therein and containing a predetermined number of viable microorganisms suitable for monitoring steam sterilization contained at one end of an absorbent wick, and a predetermined number of viable microorganisms suitable for monitoring gas sterilization contained at the opposite end of said wick and located in said second compartment,
• (b) said first compartment containing at least one gas transmissive, bacteria-impermeable opening in the form of a submicron screen with the end of said wick which contains said viable microorganisms suitable for monitoring steam sterilization being confined adjacent said screen, and the end of said wick which contains the gas sterilization monitoring microorganisms being positioned away from said screen in said second compartment,
• (c) a frangible glass ampule containing an aqueous nutrient medium disposed within said second compartment, said ampule being adapted to fracture upon deformation of said outer compartment thereby permitting said nutrient medium to contact said microorganisms through said wick, and
• (d) a flexible or semi-rigid cover member which seals around said two compartments and said channel forming a liquid containing member.