Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What is used to verify that the sterilizer air removal mechanism is functioning properly?

1. Bowie Dick Test

2. Chemical Indicator

3. Biological Indicator

4. Process Indicators

The correct answer is: Bowie Dick Test

The Bowie Dick Test is specifically designed to assess the air removal capabilities of steam sterilizers, particularly those using vacuum-assisted technologies. This test involves placing a special test pack containing a sensitive indicator within the sterilizer chamber during a standard sterilization cycle. If the sterilizer effectively removes air and achieves proper steam penetration, the indicator will change color, indicating that the cycle was successful. This is critical because air pockets can prevent steam from contacting instruments and materials, which could lead to incomplete sterilization. Thus, the Bowie Dick Test serves as a routine assessment for sterilizers, ensuring that the equipment is functioning correctly and consistently achieving the desired sterilization parameters. It is a standard test used to validate the performance of steam sterilizers on a daily basis. Other options, while relevant to sterilization processes, serve different purposes. Chemical indicators indicate whether the sterilization conditions were met but do not specifically verify air removal. Biological indicators test the effectiveness of the sterilization process by using viable microorganisms, which is more about the effectiveness of sterilization rather than air removal. Process indicators typically just show that the package has been exposed to a sterilization process but lack specificity regarding the air removal mechanism.