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Writer's pictureDurham Autoclaves

Ensuring Autoclave Safety: The Essential Role of Vacuum and Bowie-Dick Tests


Durham autoclaves office with the text infront saying "Dont Forget To Run Your Tests!!" The durham autoclaves logo is also shown underneath.

Running a Dick and Bowie test alongside a Vacuum Test is crucial to ensuring that your autoclave functions properly and maintains sterility, which is vital for any medical or laboratory setting.


Here's a breakdown of why these tests are essential, how often they should be performed, and what to do if a test fails.

 

Vacuum Test (Vac Test)

The Vacuum Test checks the integrity of the autoclave's chamber and piping by measuring the vacuum loss over time. This test is critical because any air leaks can prevent the autoclave from reaching the necessary vacuum levels, compromising the sterilisation process.


It is recommended to perform this test once a week—ideally, when the autoclave is cold, such as first thing in the morning before the autoclave has been used.


This ensures the most accurate results. If the test is done while the machine is warm and fails, it’s advisable to wait until the next day when the machine is cold again to retest.


It's also beneficial to review the previous week's vac test results before conducting a new one. This can provide insights into any gradual changes or issues developing with the machine, potentially preventing more significant failures​.


A woman working in a medical room.

Bowie-Dick Test

The Bowie-Dick Test is a daily test that ensures all air has been removed from the autoclave chamber and that steam can penetrate the load adequately. It's essential for pre-vacuum autoclaves, as it checks for air pockets that could prevent proper sterilisation.


This test is typically performed after a successful vac test, while the autoclave is still empty.


To run a Bowie-Dick test, place a test pack in the autoclave (usually on the lowest shelf, which is the coldest point) and run the cycle. A successful test will show a uniform colour change on the test strip, indicating proper air removal and steam penetration.


If the test fails, it could mean there is a problem with the autoclave's vacuum system or the test strips themselves—especially if they have been stored improperly in areas that are too cold or too warm​.

 

A man in PPE Running a test on an autoclave.

What to Do if a Test Fails

If either test fails, it’s essential to troubleshoot immediately:


Vacuum Test Failure: If a vac test fails, do not use the autoclave until it passes. Check the door gasket, plumbing, and vacuum pump for issues, and review the previous week's test results for patterns.


Bowie-Dick Test Failure: If the Bowie-Dick test fails after a successful vac test, first check the test strips. If the strips are fine, a second test should be run. Persistent failure indicates a potential issue with the autoclave's steam penetration or air removal functions, which might require professional servicing.


At Durham Autoclaves, we are here to support you in ensuring your autoclave operates correctly. Running these tests regularly helps you catch issues early, ensuring both safety and compliance in your sterilisation processes.


If you encounter repeated failures or are unsure about your test results, please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.



A Melag Autoclave display.

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