4-3
Techniques of Sterilisation Operator Manual P129390-106
4.2.2 Testing for Prevacuum
Efficiency
Tests such as the Bowie-Dick are designed to document the removal
of residual air from a sample challenge load.
Run a 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.
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.
4.3 Bowie-Dick Test The Bowie-Dick Test is designed to document the removal of
residual air from a sample challenge load in a prevacuum sterilizer.
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.
A steam penetration test should be carried out at the beginning of
each day the sterilizer is to be used. Refer to instructions for running
the Bowie-Dick test cycle in S
ECTION 6.10.1, BOWIE-DICK TEST ON
PAGE
6-19. Bowie-Dick 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 EN ISO 17665-1 standard.
NOTE: The Bowie-Dick 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.
To Next Page
Loading...
