HSPA Biological and Chemical Indicators Flashcards

When should the Bowie-Dick test be performed?

Answer: As the first cycle of the day in an empty pre-vacuum steam sterilizer, before processing any patient care items

The Bowie-Dick test must be run as the first cycle each day in an empty pre-vacuum sterilizer before any patient care items are processed. Running it first ensures the sterilizer's air removal system is functioning properly before any items rely on it for sterilization. A failed Bowie-Dick test means the sterilizer should not be used until repaired.

What action should be taken if a Bowie-Dick test fails?

Answer: Remove the sterilizer from service, investigate the cause (air leak, vacuum pump failure, door seal issues), repair the problem, and retest before returning the sterilizer to service

A failed Bowie-Dick test indicates the sterilizer cannot adequately remove air, which means it cannot reliably sterilize wrapped or containerized items. The sterilizer must be removed from service immediately. The cause must be identified and repaired (common causes include vacuum pump failure, door gasket leaks, or drain problems), and the test must pass before the sterilizer returns to service.

What is the purpose of external chemical indicators (such as autoclave tape)?

Answer: To distinguish items that have been exposed to a sterilization process from those that have not, preventing unprocessed items from reaching patient care areas

External process indicators (Class 1) provide a visual distinction between packages that have been through a sterilization cycle and those that have not. This prevents the accidental use of unprocessed items. They do not verify that sterilization conditions were adequate inside the pack; internal indicators serve that purpose.

How should biological indicators be stored before use?

Answer: In a cool, dry location according to manufacturer specifications, away from sterilizing agents and within the labeled expiration date

Improper storage can kill the spore population prematurely, resulting in false-negative results (appearing to pass when the spores were already dead). BIs must be stored according to manufacturer specifications (typically at controlled room temperature), away from any sterilizing agents that could inadvertently kill the spores, and used before their expiration date.

What is the relationship between chemical indicators and biological indicators in sterilization monitoring?

Answer: They complement each other: chemical indicators monitor every load for parameter achievement while biological indicators provide periodic direct proof of microbial lethality

Chemical and biological indicators provide different but complementary information. Chemical indicators in every pack provide immediate visual evidence of sterilization parameter exposure. Biological indicators provide the gold-standard direct proof that conditions were lethal to resistant organisms. Neither alone provides complete monitoring; both are required for a comprehensive program.

What is a process challenge device (PCD) in the context of sterilization monitoring?

Answer: A device designed to simulate the most difficult conditions for sterilization, used to hold a BI or CI during testing to provide a worst-case challenge to the sterilization process

Process challenge devices create conditions more difficult to sterilize than typical loads, typically through dense materials, narrow lumens, or other features that impede sterilant penetration. When a BI or CI inside a PCD shows successful sterilization, it provides confidence that conditions in the actual load (which presents less challenge) were also adequate.