What do process indicators confirm in the sterilization monitoring?

• A. The load has been processed.
• B. Biological indicators verify spore destruction.
• C. Process indicators confirm packaging integrity.
• D. Process indicators confirm operator technique.

Answer: (A)

Process indicators are used to show that the sterilization cycle has occurred and that the load has been exposed to the cycle’s conditions. They change in response to the processing parameters, indicating the items have been processed, though they do not prove sterility. Biological indicators are what verify spore destruction and confirm sterility, packaging integrity is checked by packaging/physical tests, and operator technique isn’t assessed by these indicators.