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

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What is the appropriate sterilizer setting for conducting the Bowie Dick test?

3-1/2 to 4 minutes at 270 deg F (134 deg C)
5 minutes at 250 deg F (121 deg C)
10 minutes at 280 deg F (138 deg C)
4-1/2 minutes at 275 deg F (135 deg C)

The correct answer is: 3-1/2 to 4 minutes at 270 deg F (134 deg C)

The Bowie Dick test is specifically designed to evaluate the efficacy of steam sterilization in a vacuum sterilizer, particularly assessing the sterilizer's ability to eradicate air and ensure proper steam penetration into the sterilization load. The most widely accepted setting for the Bowie Dick test involves running the sterilizer for a period of 3-1/2 to 4 minutes at a temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit (134 degrees Celsius). This setting is critical because it matches the parameters needed for the test to confirm that the sterilizer can effectively process packs of instruments that may have air pockets, which could compromise sterilization. Choosing this specific time and temperature allows for optimal conditions under which the test pack, often containing a specific indicator chemical, can accurately demonstrate whether or not the sterilization process was successful. Adequate exposure to steam at the correct temperature is necessary to ensure the test yields reliable results.