What is the function of a Bowie-Dick test?

• A. To calibrate pressure gauges
• B. To verify steam penetration and air removal in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers during load setup
• C. To measure ambient humidity
• D. To test door seals

Answer: (B)

The function being tested is the sterilizer’s ability to remove air and allow steam to penetrate a load during a prevacuum (pre‑vacuum) steam sterilization cycle. The Bowie-Dick test uses a special pack with a chemical indicator that changes color when the chamber achieves proper air evacuation and steam penetration. Running this test at load setup days ensures the sterilizer will effectively sterilize items in the actual loads; if the test indicates inadequate air removal or steam penetration, it points to a potential failure in the vacuum cycle or steam delivery that could leave items inadequately sterilized. It’s not about calibrating pressure gauges, measuring ambient humidity, or testing door seals—those are separate checks.