Rodwell offers Bowie Dick Test packs for monitoring steam sterilisation processes using autoclaves. The Bowie Dick Test Pack consists of a series of steam penetration (air removal) barriers in the centre of which is a chemical indicator sheet. The test pack should be placed into an empty autoclave chamber and put through a recommended autoclave cycle of 134ºC for 3.5 minutes.
During processing, the cycle must remove or displace the air from within the barrier material, and replace it with steam throughout the pack. A uniform change from blue to pink indicates adequate steam penetration. The thermochromic ink formulation detects problems with steam quality and can used a diagnostic tool by an autoclave engineer.
These can be used to qualify a newly installed autoclave or following a major repair but are generally used to monitor performance changes in air removal and steam quality during routine use.
Rodwell Bowie Dick Tests are not hazardous, products according to the OSHA Hazard communication standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 and are free of lead and other heavy metals.