If a biological indicator is incubated without being sterilized, what is this known as?

When a biological indicator is incubated without being sterilized, this process is referred to as a control. In the context of sterilization monitoring, controls are essential because they serve as a baseline to compare the effectiveness of the sterilization process. By incubating an unsterilized biological indicator, one can assess whether the indicator itself is functioning correctly, detecting any potential growth of microorganisms present in the sample. This is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the sterilization process, as it helps in identifying if any contamination exists that could lead to inaccurate results.

In contrast, validation refers to establishing that a process consistently yields a result meeting predetermined specifications. Verification involves the action of confirming that methods, procedures, or equipment are operating as intended. Calibration pertains to adjusting and testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability. While all these terms are related to ensuring quality in sterilization processes, specifically incubating a biological indicator without sterilization directly aligns with the concept of a control in testing and monitoring scenarios.