A sterilization indicator for oxidative sterilants, comprising a first compartment comprising spores of one or more microorganism species, wherein the spores have been pretreated with and comprises a compound comprising a transition metal ion that is reactive with an oxidative sterilant； a second compartment comprising a growth medium and adapted to combine contents of the first compartment with contents of the second compartment for incubation after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to an oxidative sterilant； and an agent disposed in the growth medium and selected to indicate viability of the spores after the sterilization indicator has been exposed to the oxidative sterilant.
