Amsco 36 H, Operator'S Manual

Page: 69 / 152

6-21
Sterilizer Operation Operator Manual P129394-068
6.12.1 Bowie-Dick Test Cycle
This cycle is used to conduct a Dart (Bowie-Dick) test (or “air-
removal” test) on sterilizers that use prevacuum cycles. This test is
only applicable to sterilizers that use prevacuum cycles. For SFPP
sterilizers, if the SFPP cycle is used exclusively, there is no need to
run a daily air-removal test.
If prevacuum cycles will also be run on
the same sterilizer, then a daily air-removal test cycle must be run
once each day.
The Dart (Bowie-Dick) test is designed to document the removal of
residual air from a sample challenge load (see
S
ECTION
4.2.2,
T
ESTING FOR
P
REVACUUM
E
FFICIENCY ON PAGE
4-3 ). Refer to S
ECTION
4,
T
ECHNIQUES OF
S
TERILIZATION
, when constructing the test pack.
ANSI/AAMI ST-79 requires a Bowie-Dick test cycle be run as the first
cycle each day the sterilizer is in use. The chamber must be at
operating temperature when the test cycle is performed. The Warm-
up cycle should be completed prior to performing the Bowie-Dick
test cycle.
NOTE: Always run this test cycle with either racks installed, or with an
empty cart in the chamber.
1. Refer to S
ECTION
6.1, B
EFORE
O
PERATING THE
S
TERILIZER ON PAGE
6-1 , and to S
ECTION
4, T
ECHNIQUES OF
S
TERILIZATION
, to prepare
the unit for running this cycle.
2. Press the MORE CYCLES button to access the test cycle screen.
3. A Dart (Bowie-Dick test cycle should only be run in a machine
that is at operating temperature (that is, has run one or more
cycles). If the sterilizer has not run any cycles prior to the Bowie-
Dick test cycle, run the Warm-up cycle as follows. If the chamber
has already been warmed by previous cycle operation, proceed
to
Step 4.
a. The operator is prompted to close the chamber door, if it is
open. Once closed, the door seals automatically.
b. During “warm up,” the sterilizer automatically runs a cycle
with 3-minute sterilize and 1-minute dry values.
c. Once the Warm-up cycle is complete, the display returns to
Test Cycles screen.
4. Open the chamber door (if it is not already open). Load a STERIS
Dart
®
test pack apparatus (or pre-prepared Bowie-Dick test
pack) and close the door.
NOTE: For most accurate results, test pack should be located
low in the chamber, over the drain.
5. Start the test cycle. The cycle runs automatically, as follows:
ACTIVATE SEAL – Steam enters the door seal, pressing seal
against inside surface of door.
VACUUM/PRESSURE PULSES – #1 - #4 – Vacuum pulses
(drawing from 2 inHg to 24 inHg) are followed by pressure
pulses (0.2 psig to 15 psig).
CHARGE – Chamber is charged with steam. Start of steam
charge is printed.
STERILIZE – Start of sterilize exposure is printed when the
chamber reaches set temperature. Chamber temperature is
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, rack/shelves and
loading equipment will be hot
after cycle is run. Always wear
protective gloves and apron
when removing a processed
load. Protective gloves and
apron must be worn when
reloading sterilizer following
the previous operation.
• Steam may be released from
the chamber when door is
opened. Step back from the
sterilizer each time the door is
opened to minimize contact
with steam vapor.
WARNING – PERSONAL
INJURY and/or EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of
obstructions.
!
!