What a Bowie-Dick test checks
CRCST practice question · Sterilization Process
A Bowie-Dick test is used to check which aspect of sterilizer performance?
- A. Air removal and steam penetration in dynamic air-removal sterilizers
- B. The number of spores killed during a gravity cycle
- C. Ethylene oxide gas concentration during exposure
- D. The accuracy of the sterilizer's drying time
Answer
A. Air removal and steam penetration in dynamic air-removal sterilizers
The Bowie-Dick (air-removal) test detects air leaks, inadequate air removal, and noncondensable gases in dynamic air-removal sterilizers. It does not measure microbial kill, which is what a biological indicator does.
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