6-28
P129394-176 Operator Manual Sterilizer Operation
6.14.2 Vacuum Leak Test This cycle is used for testing vacuum integrity of the sterilizer and
piping.
A Vacuum Leak Test cycle should be run on the sterilizer at least
once each week. It should be one of the first cycles run for the day,
but not the first cycle. In this cycle, the sterilizer automatically checks
for vacuum leaks in the piping and door seal. If the sterilizer fails the
leak test, it must be inspected by a qualified service technician. (This
test is not a substitute for a Dart [Bowie-Dick] test.) The Leak Test
can also be used to confirm that the sterilizer piping is intact after
performing repairs.
NOTE: The measured leak rate (millimeters of mercury [mm Hg] per
minute) is calculated by the control over a timed 10-minute period and
is included in the cycle printout. A leak rate of 1 mm Hg/minute or less
is considered acceptable.
1. Before running Leak Test cycle, refer to S
ECTION 6.1, BEFORE
O
PERATING THE STERILIZER, ON PAGE 6-1.
NOTE: The sterilizer should be warm before running this test
cycle. If no other cycle has been run on the sterilizer before the
Leak Test, run a Dart Warm Up cycle.
2. Press MORE CYCLES. The Leak Test cycle touch-screen pad
appears on display.
3. To start the Leak Test, press the LEAK TEST touch-screen pad.
Printer records cycle start. Cycle runs automatically as follows:
NOTE: Cycle requires 30-35 minutes to complete.
ACTIVATE SEAL – Steam enters the door seal, pressing seal
against inside surface of door.
PURGE – Chamber is purged; printer records end of purge.
PULSE #1 (and PULSE #2) – Two vacuum and pressure pulses
then occur and printer records each.
CHARGE – After the pressure pulses, temperature rises to 270°F
(132°C), unit begins to draw a vacuum for 10 minutes. (Printer
records temperature and pressure at beginning of 10-minute
vacuum time.)
LEAK TEST/EVACUATING – Printer records temperature and
vacuum at end of evacuation time.
LEAK TEST/STABILIZING – 2 -minute stabilization period begins
after 10-minute evacuation is completed.
LEAK TEST – Ten minute Leak Test period begins after 2-minute
stabilization is completed. Printer records calculated leak rate
(mm Hg per minute) after 10-minute leak time.
AIR BREAK – Chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure,
complete tone sounds and cycle summary and end of cycle
messages are printed.
RETRACT SEAL – A vacuum is drawn on the seal, retracting it
from inner surface of door.
COMPLETE – Complete tone sounds. Cycle summary and end of
cycle messages are printed.
4. Once the sterilizer completes and passes the leak test, the unit
can be used.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, rack/shelves and
loading car will be hot after
cycle is run. Always wear
protective gloves and apron
when removing a processed
load. Protective gloves and
apron must be worn when
reloading sterilizer following
the previous operation.
• Steam may be released from
the chamber when door is
opened. Step back from the
sterilizer each time the door
is opened to minimize
contact with steam vapor.
WARNING – STERILITY
ASSURANCE HAZARD:
According to AAMI standards,
a measured leak rate greater
than 1 mm Hg/minute (1.3
mbar/min) indicates a problem
with the sterilizer. Refer the
situation to a qualified service
technician before using the
sterilizer further.
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