STERILE CONCEPTS

Healthcare P. Ltd.

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TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
BOWIE DICK TEST PACK KIT

PRODUCT CODE- BDK-50

1.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Orion Bowie Dick test kit is a test recommended to test the presence of a significant
amount of residual air in the sterilizer chamber of vacuum sterilizers, caused by an air leak
or inadequate vacuum.
This test kit consists of a series of steam penetration barrier sheets in which a test card
with chemical indicator placed in centre.
During processing, the cycle must remove or displace the air from the barrier material
and replace it with steam throughout the pack. A uniform change from yellow/ white to
brown/black indicates adequate steam penetration. The chemical formulation detects
problems with steam quality, and is free of lead and other heavy metals.

2.

APPLICATION
Performed after a warm-up cycle at the beginning of every day, when the pre-vacuum
steam sterilizer is in operation. Bowie- Dick (Air Removal) Test validates the
pre-vacuum sterilizer according to AAMI Bowie-Dick Test Pack that effectively
removes air.
Orion Bowie-Dick Test Pack provides reliable performance and accurate results.

3.

BENEFITS OF ORION BOWIE DICK TEST KIT

The use of disposable single use pack eliminates the need to construct towel
packs.
The abrupt and distinctive color change does not lead to misinterpretation as the
color pattern is visible clearly.
Since there is no lead content, there will be no concerns over exposure to lead or
other heavy metals.
Indicator sheet can be kept as a permanent record

STERILE CONCEPTS

Healthcare P. Ltd.

Your partner in Infection Control

4.

TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Test data demonstrates that, in a steam sterilizer in the presence of saturated steam
at 250F (121C) exposure for 15 min. 273F (134C) for three to four minutes, the
sensitivity of the test pack is sufficient to detect a temperature depression between
the center of the test pack and the drain temperature as specified in ANSI/AAMI
ST661
The environmentally friendly Orion Bowie-Dick Test Pack is made of 100% recycled
paper. The integrator ink contains no lead or other heavy metals known to be toxic to
humans and the environment.
The Orion Bowie-Dick Test Pack detects problems with steam quality and may serve as
a diagnostic tool to test the autoclave.
Maintain all failed indicator sheets when reporting a sterilizer failure.

5.

DIRECTION TO USE THE TEST KIT

Pre-heat the sterilizer by running one complete cycle with an empty chamber. It is
important to include all shelving and racks in the preheat cycle. After preheat cycle
completion place the Orion Bowie-Dick Test Pack 4 - 8" (100 200 mm) above the
chamber drain or as near as is practically possible.. Do not place on the chamber floor.
Perform a pre vacuum cycle with a programmed at 250F (121C) exposure for 15 min.
273F (134C) for three to four minutes

Upon completion of the test cycle, remove and open the test pack. If air removal was
sufficient to allow even steam penetration, the entire indicator ink figure on the indicator
test sheet changes color from yellow/white to brown/black.

STERILE CONCEPTS

Healthcare P. Ltd.

Your partner in Infection Control

If the test was OK then the pattern will be as follows-

Unexposed

Exposed

If there was presence of residual gases then the pattern will be as follows-

This indicates that the sterilizer needs to be checked.

6.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Each kit contains reusable medical grade paper sheets.

The chemical composition contains following components in ppm levelsWater
Diacetone alcohol
Proprietoty mixture

35%
3%
62%

Each kit does not contain any classified hazardous in concentrations above
permissible levels.
7.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Each kit should be stored in a cool dry place. Away from direct sunlight.