4-5
Techniques of Sterilization Operator Manual P129394-176
4.3.1 Biological Monitors Tests such as the Dart
®
(Daily Air Removal Test) or Bowie-Dick are
designed to document the removal of residual air from a sample
challenge load.
Run a Dart (Bowie-Dick test) cycle daily before processing any loads
in a sterilizer equipped with prevacuum cycles. The first prevacuum
cycle of each day should be used to test the adequacy of air removal
from the chamber and load, so that steam can penetrate the load. It
is not a test for adequate exposure to heat in terms of time-at-
temperature.
4.3.2 Testing for Prevacuum
Efficiency
In the case of these tests, following exposure in a prevacuum
sterilizing cycle, the pack is opened, the indicator examined, and
conclusions are drawn as to the pattern of residual air, if any, that
remained in the pack during the sterilizing cycle. Any indication of a
malfunction must be reported to the supervisor. Sterilizer must not be
used again until approved by supervisor.
4.4 Dart (Bowie-Dick)
Tes t
The Dart (Bowie-Dick) Test is designed to document the removal of
residual air from a sample challenge load in a prevacuum sterilizer.
This test does not apply to gravity, liquids or SFPP cycles.
In the case of this test, following exposure in a prevacuum test cycle,
the pack is opened, the indicator examined and conclusions are
drawn as to the pattern of residual air, if any, that remained in the
pack during the sterilizing cycle. Any indication of a malfunction
must be reported to the supervisor. Sterilizer must not be used to run
prevacuum cycles until approved by supervisor.
According to AAMI ST-79, a steam penetration test shall be carried
out at the beginning of each day the sterilizer is to be used. Refer to
instructions for running the Dart test cycle in S
ECTION 6, STERILIZER
OPERATION. Dart test packs are designed to expose the pattern and
document the removal of residual air from the sample load. Any test
package must be constructed in accordance with instructions given
in the AAMI ST-46 standard.
NOTE: The Dart test cycle is not a test for adequate exposure to heat
in terms of time-at-temperature.
WARNING – STERILITY
ASSURANCE HAZARD: Load
sterility may be compromised
if the biological indicator or
vacuum leak test indicates a
potential problem. If these
indicators show a potential
problem, refer the situation to
a qualified service technician
before using the sterilizer
further.
WARNING – STERILITY
ASSURANCE HAZARD: Load
sterility may be compromised
if the biological indicator or
vacuum leak test indicates a
potential problem. If these
indicators show a potential
problem, refer the situation to
a qualified service technician
before using the sterilizer
further.
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