What is the purpose of conducting a Bowie-Dick test?

The purpose of conducting a Bowie-Dick test is to evaluate the effectiveness of air removal in prevacuum steam sterilizers. This test specifically assesses the sterilizer's ability to rapidly and completely remove air from the chamber and the test pack itself. Inadequate air removal can lead to air pockets that prevent steam penetration and result in sterilization failures. The Bowie-Dick test pack consists of multiple layers of absorbent material with a chemical indicator sheet placed at the center. After the sterilizer cycle, the indicator sheet is examined for a uniform color change. A uniform color change indicates adequate air removal, while an incomplete or uneven color change suggests that air was not effectively removed from the test pack, which means the sterilizer is not functioning properly. The Bowie-Dick test is performed daily or after any major repairs to the sterilizer's vacuum system to ensure it meets performance standards.