Application

The gke Steri-Record® Bowie-Dick-Simulation (BDS) Test is daily used after start up as a functionality check (type test, no sterility test) for steam sterilizers. It has to be carried out in an empty sterilizer chamber. The BDS test is no substitution for routine monitoring. For routine moni-toring batch/process monitoring systems or type 5 or 6 indicators in each package should be used.
Table top sterilizers according to EN 13060 type B do not require a Bowie-Dick Test but a hollow load type test according to EN 867-5. However, some sterilizer manufacturers demand the daily use of a BDS-test during start-up. The Compact-PCD® (colour: blue) combines the BD- and hollow load test in one test system.

Product Description

All three gke Steri-Record® BDS-Tests are type 2 indicator systems according to EN ISO 11140-1 consisting of a “specific test load“ so-called Process Challenge Device = PCD and a “detector“ (indicator strip) inside.
The PCD consists of an external highly durable case containing an internal stainless steel tube connected with a capsule holding the indicator. The highly durable PCD can be used for several thousand applications. Only one indicator strip is required for each test. The same indicator strip is used in all three BDS versions and is self-adhesive for daily documentation.

Performance Characteristics

The sterilizer standards EN 285 and AAMI /ANSI ST79 describe three different type tests:

  • American BD-Test

    Air removal test according to AAMI/ANSI ST79 (4 kg test pack) and validated according to the test method of ISO 11140-1 + 5.

  • European BD-Test

    Air removal and steam penetration test validated according to the test method of EN ISO 11140-1 + 4 with reference to the 7 kg test pack in EN 285.

  • Hollow load test described in EN 867-5 required as an additional type test in EN 285.

All gke BDS-tests are type 2 indicators according to EN ISO 11140-1. gke offers three different BDS-Tests with the following performance char-acteristics. The table below shows the conformity of the gke-BDS Tests.

gke BDS-Tests BD-Test EN 285 (7 kg test pack) Hollow Load Test EN 867-5 BD-Test AAMI/ANSI ST 79 (4 kg test pack)
Compact-PCD® (colour: blue)
x
x
Compact-PCD® (colour: purple)
x
Compact-PCD® (colour: light blue)
x

All above mentioned Bowie-Dick-Simulation-Tests can be used in BD test programs at 132-137°C, 1-3.5 min or 121°C, 15-30 min. If these BD-cycle are not avail-able, a normal cycle of 134°C for up to 9 min may be used.

Operation Description

A gke Bowie-Dick indicator strip has to be placed into the PTFE holder of the Compact-PCD® and the cap has to be tightened. The test device should be placed close to the bottom and near the door of the chamber on a stainless steel tray into an empty sterilizer chamber. This test can be used in Bowie-Dick-Test programs at 132-137°C (270-279°F); 1 – 3.5 min or 121°C (250 °F); 15 min. If this BD-cycle is not available, a normal cycle of 132-137°C for up to 9 min may be used without losing sensitivity.
If all six bars of the chemical indicator turn from yellow to black it is an indication of sufficient steam penetration inside the PCD. A positive result ensures that the sterilizer works according to the sterilizer specifications.

Sterilizer program requirements

Depending on the sterilizer BD-test program, the correct BDS-Test has to be selected.

Sufficient temperature, time and steam penetration Insufficient air removal and steam penetration Temperature achieved, but no air removal and no steam penetration Insufficient temperature, no air removal and no steam pene-tration

Benefits

  • The innovative patented “multi-stage” design of the Compact-PCD®, colour blue, simulates the porous Bowie-Dick cotton pack and the Helix Test.
  • To be used in 132-137°C and 121°C-Bowie-Dick-Test programs according to EN 285 and EN ISO 11140-3. The test may also be used in old sterilizers without Bowie-Dick Test pro-grams and longer sterilization times without losing sensibility.
  • Simple application – the chemical indicator may be easily removed and evaluated on comple-tion of each cycle.
  • Easy interpretation of the results due to precise colour change.
  • Continuous reproducibility of the results.
  • The graduated colour change of the indicator bars informs about the magnitude of air remov-al and steam penetration inside the sterilizer and non-condensable gases in steam.
  • Environmentally friendly, no unnecessary waste.
  • Indicator strips can be disposed with normal garbage.
  • The indicator colour chemistry is a non-reversible chemical reaction and remains col-our-fast over time.
  • The Compact-PCD® can be used for a considerable number of cycles. All important parts are made of stainless steel or thermal resistant polymers.
  • All gke chemical indicators are protected from bleeding by a polymer binder and surface coat-ing.
  • Cost-effective due to multiple use of the PCD.
  • The screw-cap consists of a highly thermal re-sistant material and stainless steel sandwich-construction that protects hands from high tem-peratures.
  • gke self-adhesive labels simplify recording with the gke Steri-Record® documentation sys-tem. All above mentioned BDS-Tests can be used in BD test programs at 132-137°C, 1-3.5 min or 121°C, 15-30 min. If these BD-cycle are not avail-able, a normal cycle of 134°C for up to 9 min may be used.

Order Information

Each start-up kit contains one Compact-PCD® and 100 integrating indicator strips. Test devices are availa-ble separately as well. The indicator strips are available as refill packs and contain a seal ring for replace-ment in the screw cap.

1. Air removal and steam penetration test validated according to the test method of EN ISO 11140-4 + 1 Type 2 with reference to the 7 kg test pack in EN 285 and the hol-low load test exceeding the requirements of EN 867-5

Art.-No. Product Code Quantity Content Application
211-150 211-150 C-S-BDS-EUH-RCPCD-KIT
Start-up kit		 1+100 Compact-PCD® (colour: blue) integrating indicator strips BDS air-removal and steam-penetration test for hollow and solid instruments and also porous loads.
211-151 C-S-BDS-EUH-RCPCD 1 Compact-PCD® (colour: blue)

2. Air removal and steam penetration test validated according to the test method of EN ISO 11140-4 + 1 Type 2 with reference to the 7 kg test pack in EN 285

Art.-No. Product Code Quantity Content Application
211-120 C-S-BDS-EU-RCPCD-KIT Start-up kit 1+100 Compact-PCD® (colour: purple) integrating indicator strips BDS air-removal and steam-penetration test for porous loads and solid instruments (not recommended for hollow instru-ments)
211-121 C-S-BDS-EU-RCPCD 1 Compact-PCD® (colour: purple)

3. Air removal test according to AAMI/ANSI ST79 (4 kg test pack) and validated according to the test method of ISO 11140-5 + 1 Type 2

Art.-No. Product Code Quantity Content Application
211-130 C-S-BDS-USA-RCPCD-KIT 1+100 Compact-PCD® (colour: light blue) integrating indicator strips BDS air-removal test for porous loads
211-131 C-S-BDS-USA-RCPCD 1 Compact-PCD® (colour: light blue)

4. Indicator strip refill packs for all above mentioned BDS-Tests

Art.-No. Product Code Quantity Content Application
211-111 C-S-BDS-SV1 100 Integrating indicator strips, 1 seal kit Refill pack with integrating indicator strips for all gke BDS tests.
211-112 250
211-115 500