What is the incubation temperature range for biological testing under steam sterilization?

The incubation temperature range for biological testing under steam sterilization is crucial for accurately assessing the efficacy of the sterilization process. The correct range, which is often cited in industry standards, is typically between 131°F and 140°F. Incubating at this temperature ensures that any viable spores present in the biological indicator will either be killed (if the sterilization process was effective) or remain viable (indicating a failure in the sterilization process).

At temperatures lower than this range, such as those in options C and D, there is a risk that the spores may not react appropriately, as they may not be adequately tested against conditions they would encounter in actual sterilization settings. Furthermore, higher temperature ranges (like option B) could potentially lead to the destruction of the spores, thus resulting in a false negative regarding sterilization efficacy.

In essence, the specified temperature range allows for optimal conditions to verify that the steam sterilization process is functioning correctly, maintaining safety and compliance in sterile processing environments.