What type of indicator is placed inside every package of instruments before sterilization?

The correct answer is chemical indicator. A chemical indicator is used to determine whether the sterilization process has occurred by changing color or exhibiting some other observable change in response to the specific conditions necessary for sterilization, such as temperature and pressure.

During the sterilization of instruments, placing a chemical indicator inside each package provides a visual confirmation that the package has been exposed to the sterilization process. This is crucial for ensuring that the instruments inside have been properly sterilized and are safe to use. Unlike biological indicators, which contain viable microorganisms and are used to test the effectiveness of the sterilization process after it has been completed, chemical indicators provide immediate verification and are essential for routine monitoring of the sterilization process.

In general, mechanical indicators refer to devices that provide information about specific parameters such as temperature and time during the sterilization process, while physical indicators relate to the physical conditions of the sterilization environment. These indicators serve different purposes and are not typically placed inside instrument packages.