Basics of the Bowie-Dick test

摘要

A Bowie-Dick test is used in prevacuum type steam sterilizers (also called dynamic-air-removal sterilizers), not gravity-displacement sterilizers. The purpose of this test is to ensure all air is removed from the sterilizer and that there are no air leaks in the system. Steam must make contact with all surfaces in order for the item to be considered sterile. The test kit itself is composed of clean preconditioned cotton surgical towels and a Bowie-Dick test sheet (Class 2 chemical indicator). The test pack should be placed in the front bottom portion of the sterilizer over the drain line. The pack should be placed horizontally on the rack.