Final answer:
The distinct characteristic of an integrating chemical indicator is its capability to operate alongside a biological indicator, providing a rapid assessment of sterilization conditions compared to the more time-consuming biological methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most unique feature of an integrating chemical indicator is its ability to perform in parallel to a biological indicator. Unlike the common heat-sensitive autoclave tape, which only indicates that a certain temperature has been reached but not the duration of exposure, or biological indicators using the endospores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, which require incubation after sterilization, integrating chemical indicators can give a more comprehensive indication of sterility.
Integrating chemical indicators do not replace biological indicators but provide a rapid indication of the conditions necessary for sterilization, fulfilling the role more immediately than the traditional biological monitoring methods.