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What type of biological indicator needs to be placed in the sterilization device every month?
Steam indicator
Temperature indicator
Biological indicator
Color changing indicator
The correct answer is: Biological indicator
The type of biological indicator that is required to be placed in the sterilization device every month is a biological indicator. Biological indicators contain viable microorganisms that are resistant to the sterilization process and are used to assess the effectiveness of the sterilization cycle. By placing these indicators in the sterilization device regularly, one can ensure that the sterilization process is functioning correctly and that all microbial life is being effectively eliminated. While steam indicators, temperature indicators, and color-changing indicators monitor specific parameters or conditions during sterilization, they do not provide direct verification of the sterilization efficacy like biological indicators do. Only biological indicators contain live bacteria that can be tested post-cycle to confirm whether the sterilization conditions were sufficient to inactivate them, making them essential for routine quality control in sterilization practices.