Technical Tip

Mitigating Risk with Autoclave Air Removal Tests

The presence of air in an autoclave sterilization cycle can adversely affect steam penetration and steam contact with the materials being sterilized.
January 21, 2021

Key Takeaways:

  • Daily air removal verification using a Bowie-Dick test is essential for pre-vacuum steam sterilizers, as inadequate air removal can compromise steam penetration and sterilization efficacy.
  • Regulatory standards (EU Annex 1, ISO 17665, EN 285, AAMI ST79) mandate or recommend daily steam penetration testing to ensure autoclave performance and sterility assurance.
  • The STERIS Steraffirm™ Bowie-Dick Test Pack is ISO 11140-4 compliant, validated for 121–124 °C cycles and sensitive enough to detect a 2 °C temperature depression, indicating air removal issues.
  • A failed air removal test can trigger quality investigations, equipment downtime and potential product recalls, making routine testing a critical risk mitigation strategy.
  • The test is typically completed in under 20 minutes and serves as both a performance verification and diagnostic tool for steam quality and autoclave function. 

The presence of air in an autoclave sterilization cycle can adversely affect steam penetration and steam contact with the materials being sterilized. Saturated steam condensing on a surface is essential in killing microorganisms that may be present on the material surface. Daily use of the STERIS Steraffirm™ Bowie-Dick Test Pack confirms sufficient air removal and steam penetration in the autoclave and ensures compliance with international regulations and current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs).

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