Monthly Archives: May 2026
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May 13, 2026
In the world of dental sterilization assurance, biological indicators (BIs) are the most reliable method of verifying whether a sterilizer is functioning effectively. These indicators test the true effectiveness of a sterilization cycle by challenging it with highly resistant bacterial spores. But what happens when it's not the test BI that fails, but the control BI?
While a failed test BI raises red flags for a potential sterilization breach, a failed control BI introduces an entirely different set of concerns. This article breaks down what a control BI is, what its failure means, and the exact steps your office should take to investigate and correct the issue.
What is a Control BI?
A Control BI is a self-contained biological indicator that is not exposed to the sterilization process. Its job is to serve as a positive control to prove that the spores
