Biological sterilization indicator method

A method for detecting an activation status of a biological sterilization indicator, the method comprising:

• providing a biological sterilization indicator comprising:
• a housing including
• a first portion, and
• a second portion adapted to be coupled to the first portion, the second portion being movable with respect to the first portion between an first position and a second position;
• a container containing a liquid and dimensioned to be positioned in the housing, at least a portion of the container being frangible, the container having a first state in which the container is intact when the second portion of the housing is in the first position, and a second state in which the container is fractured when the second portion of the housing is in the second position;
• a first chamber within the housing in which the container is positioned when the container is in the first state;
• and
• a second chamber within the housing in which the container and the liquid are not positioned when the container is in the first state, and into which the liquid moves when the container is in the second state, the second chamber comprising at least one source of biological activity that is not in fluid communication with the liquid when the container is in the first state and that is in fluid communication with the liquid when the container is in the second state;
• and
• providing a reading apparatus comprising a well dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the biological sterilization indicator;
• and
• detecting an activation status of the biological sterilization indicator, with the reading apparatus, separately from detection of sterilization efficacy, by detecting whether the liquid is present in the second chamber when at least a portion of the biological sterilization indicator is positioned in the well.