Bowie & Dick Test - Tecno-gaz europa B pro Mode D'emploi

RESPONSE
PERIODICITY
13.3 Bowie & Dick test
It is a physical test (spare code 268/S) enabling to verify steam penetration capability into
porous loads. For the test a "test pack" is used which is standardized and complying with
the technical standards being currently in force.
USE
RESPONSE
PERIODICITY
After 48 hours take the processed ampoule out of the incubator and
assess the test result. If the ampoule has changed its colour to yellow this
means that the autoclave has failed the test and there is bacterial growth.
If the ampoule remains purple, this means that there is no bacterial growth
and hence the test succeeded. The test ampoule of course will always
change to yellow since it has not been processed and will only be used as
term of comparison.
At the end of the test dispose of the ampoule in the solid urban waste. It is
anyway advisable to perform another sterilization cycle at 121° C on the
ampoule.
There is no preset testing interval, apart from areas to which specific
regional regulations apply. In any case the biological tests are the more
concrete ones. Hence in order to constantly monitor the autoclave
performance, it is advisable to perform the test at least once every 90
days.
Perform the test with empty chamber. The Bowie-Dick test pack shall have
to be positioned on the autoclave central tray. Perform the cycle, indicated
in the display of the autoclave, and at the end remove the pack, open it and
check the sheet colour change through the chemical indicator placed
inside.
There is no preset testing interval, apart from areas to which specific
regional regulations apply. Hence in order to constantly monitor the
autoclave performance, it is advisable to perform the test at least once
every 30 days.
The assessment is simple and rapid. If the
colour change turns out to be uniform (as
shown in the figure) the test perfectly
succeeded. On the contrary the test failed,
hence the autoclave cannot properly sterilize
porous bodies.
ENGLISH
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