ISO 11140-1:2005 specifies general requirements and test methods for indicators that show exposure to sterilization processes by means of physical and/ or chemical change of substances, and which are used to monitor the attainment of one or more of the variables required for a sterilization process. They are not dependent for their action on the presence or absence of a living organism.
The requirements and test methods of ISO 11140-1:2005 apply to all indicators specified in subsequent parts of ISO 11140, unless the requirement is modified or added to by a subsequent part, in which case the requirement of that particular part will apply.