EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q01142

Dear Sir/Madam

1. Regard Bowie & dick program in the benchtop autoclave, there are some autoclaves which do not have this program BUT have HELIX TEST program instead, can we use this program for B&D test packets?
2. If the benchtop autoclaves does not have both B&D test program neither HElix test program, is it possible to use wrapped program (full cycle) to perform B&D test?

plz answer A.S.A.P (very urgent)
Dr, ghaneema Al-dakheel
superintendent of quality assurance & infection control in dental service

Dear Dr.
Both B&D AND Helix challenge the air removal from the chamber. B&D Test confirm effective air removal from porous load (fabric, wrapped or packed instruments).
Helix Test confirm successful air removal from "Hollow A" instruments like dental Hand pieces (Turbines), or in other words - capilars.
Both are tested at "BD Test" program.

BD and Helix tests are performed only on Autoclaves equipped with forced air removal (pump, ejector). Yes. take a 134C / 4minutes / 1-2 drying. But again: only if it is equipped with "pre-vacuum" stage.