Bowie Dick Test Packs
AXCP130 is a Bowie‑Dick test kit (wrapped, 200-pack) produced by Axis/Kordon. It’s specifically designed to evaluate vacuum efficiency and air removal in pre‑vacuum steam sterilizers.
Description
INDICATIONS:
- Used daily (typically every morning) in prevacuum autoclaves to ensure proper air removal and steam penetration.
- Verifies autoclave chamber vacuum is adequate before using with surgical instruments or other critical loads.
- Helps prevent incomplete sterilization caused by residual air pockets, which could compromise effectiveness.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.
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Preparation:
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Ensure the sterilizer is powered on and cooled to room temperature.
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Wrap the Bowie‑Dick sheet as per manufacturer instructions (or use the pre‑wrapped version).
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Placement:
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Place one AXCP130 Bowie‑Dick test pack flat in the center of an empty sterilizer tray, not under heavy load.
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Run Cycle:
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Select the Bowie‑Dick or vacuum/leak test cycle on the sterilizer (usually ~134 °C for 3–3.5 minutes).
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Evaluate Results:
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After the cycle, remove and open the pack.
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Inspect the test sheet: a uniform dark color indicates a pass, while streaks, spots, or uneven coloration indicate a fail (suggesting air pockets or vacuum issues).
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THE COLOR ON THE PRODUCT CAN SHOW DIFFERENCE WITH THE COLOR SEEN ON REFERENCE CHART DUE TO PRINTING QUALITY. USER CAN MAKE COMPARISON WITH UNUSED PRODUCT.
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- COMMON CAUSES OF ERRORS
- Low pressure in the chamber
- Steam supply changes
- Leakages
- Poor steam quality
- Insufficient vacuum
- COMMON CAUSES OF ERRORS
- If the ink has changed into another color (as specified), the items have been processed correctly.
- Alternatively, any different colors (as specified) indicate a failure in the sterilization cycle.
The contents of each pack must be exposed to several critical parameters of the sterilization process.
-Time
-Temperature
