Universal biological indicator system

A biological indicator system comprising:

• a capsule whose interior volume is less than half filled with a liquid culture medium and which has a vent, tube extending from its exterior to a vent aperture in the tube at a volumetric center of the capsule interior volume such that an upper surface of the culture medium is disposed below the vent aperture regardless of the orientation of the capsule;
• a sealing means across the vent tube which permits gas to pass from the capsule interior volume to the exterior in the presence of steam and prevents communication with the capsule interior volume in the absence of steam;
• an element inoculated with microorganisms mounted adjacent the capsule;
• a cap movably mounted on the capsule surrounding the inoculated element for movement between at least first and second positions, the cap having apertures which provide a fluid flow path for both liquids and gas between the inoculated element and the exterior in the first position and which blocks the fluid flow path between the inoculated element and the exterior in the second position.