Effect of 24 Hour Room Temperature Hold Time on the Heat Resistance of Bacillus coagulans Spores Suspended in 10% Calcium Gluconate, USP

In an industrial application, biological indicator test units can often remain at room temperature for several hours prior to a steam sterilization validation cycle. A study was performed using the biological indicator Bacillus coagulans suspended in 10% Calcium Gluconate, USP, to determine if room temperature hold time had an effect on the resistance of the biological indicator. The results indicated that no significant change in resistance was seen for hold times up to 24 hours at room temperature.