Question

Why do you place the biological indicator in the middle of the load with a string tied around it?

Answer 1

Biolgical indicators are used during the autoclaving method. These are generally standardized populations of resistant bacterial spores that are in either on strips or vials . These can be used to check if the sterilization process in the autoclave is going in a perfect manner thereby killing the microorganisms. The vial or the strip is generally recommended to place at the centre of the load because in that way, the entire sterilization and heat process will be evenly distributed when the indicator is present in the middle thereby allowing correct determination and checking of the parameters that ensure proper autoclaving. The string is tied to allow easy removal of the vial or strip after the sterilization process had been done.