How do you confirm air removal capabilities of the sterilizer?

Air removal capabilities of a prevacuum steam sterilizer are primarily confirmed through the Bowie-Dick test, as previously described. A passing Bowie-Dick test, indicated by a uniform color change on the indicator sheet, confirms that the sterilizer is effectively removing air from the test pack. Additionally, monitoring the vacuum levels achieved during the pre-vacuum phase can provide insights into the sterilizer's air removal performance. The sterilizer's control system should display the vacuum levels reached during the cycle. If the vacuum levels are not within the manufacturer's specified range, it may indicate a problem with the vacuum system, such as a leak or a faulty vacuum pump. Regular monitoring of vacuum levels, in conjunction with the Bowie-Dick test, provides a comprehensive assessment of the sterilizer's air removal capabilities. If there is a confirmed issue, further investigation would be required by a qualified technician to diagnose the mechanical problem.