Use of a computer data file for storage of heat resistance data on bacterial spores

The use of a computer data file to compile published heat resistance data on bacterial spores is described. Information relating to sporulation, heating and recovery of the spores, in addition to decimal reduction times at different temperatures has been stored. The data file was constructed using Minitab and an indexer program on a VAX 11/750 computer operating on VMS. Storage of the data in this way enables rapid manipulation and analysis of large quantities of information relating to heat resistance of bacterial spores.