Abstract: An oxidative dye solution comprises an indicating dye that has been reacted with a reducing agent. The pre-reacted dye when subjected to an oxidizing disinfection or sterilization agent such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide under goes a visible color change and thus can serve as a chemical, process, or chemical integrator, indicator. The dyes include various azines, thiazines, and oxazines compounds and the reducing agents include alkali metal alkyloxides and alkaline earth metal alkyloxide compounds.

Abstract: A self-contained biological indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of a sterilizer utilizing an anti-microbial gas or liquid fluid. The indicator is comprised of a tubular casing having open ends and defining an interior chamber. A source of viable microorganisms is disposed within the chamber. A frangible ampule containing a culture medium capable of promoting growth of the microorganism and a detector means capable of reaction with the metabolites of the microorganism to produce a visual indication is disposed within the chamber. The ampule is operable by pressure applied to an external surface thereof to permit the microorganism and the medium to come into contact with each other. A cap assembly is mounted to each end of the tubular casing. Each cap assembly includes a telescoping element movable from a first position defining an opening communicating with the chamber and a second position crushing the ampule and forming a gas/fluid impermeable seal around the chamber.