6-19
Sterilizer Operation Operator Manual P129390-106
6.10.1 Bowie-Dick Test This cycle is used to conduct a Bowie-Dick test on sterilizers that use
prevacuum cycles. This test is only applicable to sterilizers that use
prevacuum cycles.
The Bowie-Dick test is designed to document the removal of residual
air from a sample challenge load (see S
ECTION 4.2.2, TESTING FOR
PREVACUUM EFFICIENCY, PAGE 4-3). Refer to SECTION 4, TECHNIQUES OF
STERILIZATION, when constructing the Bowie-Dick test pack.
EN ISO 17665-1:2006 requires a Bowie-Dick test cycle be run as the
first cycle each day the sterilizer is in use. The chamber must be at
operating temperature when the Bowie-Dick test cycle is performed.
The Warm-up cycle should be completed prior to performing the
Bowie-Dick test cycle.
NOTE: Always run this test cycle with either racks installed, or with an
empty cart in the chamber.
1. Refer to S
ECTION 6.1, BEFORE OPERATING THE STERILIZER, PAGE 6-1
earlier in this section, and to S
ECTION 4, TECHNIQUES OF
S
TERILIZATION, to prepare the unit for running this cycle.
2. Press the right arrow button in the lower right hand corner of the
cycle select screen to access the test cycle screen.
3. A Bowie-Dick test should only be run in a machine that is at
operating temperature (that is, has run one or more cycles). If
the sterilizer has not run any cycles prior to the Bowie-Dick test,
run the Warm-up cycle as follows. If the chamber has already
been warmed by previous cycle operation, proceed to Step 4.
a. The operator is prompted to close the chamber door, if it is
open. Once closed, the door seals automatically.
b. During “warm up,” the sterilizer automatically runs a cycle
with 3-minute sterilize and 1-minute dry values.
c. Once the Warm-up cycle is complete, the display returns to
Test Cycles screen.
4. Open the chamber door (if it is not already open). Load the
Bowie-Dick test pack and close the door.
NOTE: For most accurate results, test pack should be located
low in the chamber, over the drain.
5. Start the Bowie-Dick test cycle. The cycle runs automatically, as
follows:
ACTIVATE SEAL – Steam enters the door seal, pressing seal
against inside surface of door.
VACUUM/PRESSURE PULSES #1 through #7 – Three vacuum
pulses (drawing from 0.1 bar to 0.8 bar) are followed by four
pressure pulses (0.1 bar to 1.1 bar).
CHARGE – Chamber is charged with steam. Start of steam
charge is printed.
STERILIZE – Start of sterilize exposure is printed when the
chamber reaches set temperature. Chamber temperature is
printed every minute. Chamber is controlled at set point plus
overdrive.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, shelves and loading
carrier 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 – BURN HAZARD:
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 – PERSONAL
INJURY and/or EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of
obstructions.
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