What it means
Steam can only sterilize what it touches, so trapped air leaves items unsterile. Each day, usually in the first cycle after the sterilizer warms up, a test pack with a special indicator sheet is run in an empty chamber. An even color change across the sheet shows good air removal; an uneven pattern means the sterilizer must not be used until it is repaired and retested. It is named after J. H. Bowie and J. Dick, who designed it.
For the nurse
A failed test is reported, the sterilizer is taken out of service, and loads are not released.
At a glance
| Also written | Bowie Dick test, Bowie-Dick |
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Related terms
reprocessing
The steps that make a used reusable medical device safe to use on the next patient.
sterilizer
A machine that kills all germs, including spores, on instruments and supplies.