Bowie-Dick Indicator

The Bowie-Dick Indicator is a vital tool in the quality control of steam sterilization processes in medical, laboratory and industrial facilities

The steam sterilization process is a common method for eliminating microorganisms and pathogens in medical and laboratory equipment

History of the Bowie Dick Indicator

The Bowie Dick test was first introduced in 1960 by two researchers named Bowie and Dick.

Bovidic Performance

The Bovidic test is based on the color change of a chemical upon contact with saturated vapor at a specified temperature

Bovidic Components and Structure

Base paper or card, vapor-sensitive ink, protective coating

Types of Bovidic Tests

Class 2 Tests, Single-Use and Reusable Versions, Digital Versions

Related International Standards

ISO 11140-1, AAMI ST79, EN 867-4…

Steps to perform a Bovidic test

Place the indicator in the center of the autoclave chamber, run the cycle, check for color change

Bovidic applications

Healthcare centers, laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, medical equipment companies

Advantages of Bovidic

Simplicity, speed, low cost, ability to quickly diagnose mechanical problems

Limitations of Bovidic

Only for testing device performance, requires visual interpretation

Summary and Conclusions

The Bovidic test is known as one of the most reliable chemical indicators for checking the performance quality of autoclaves.

How to Use the Bovidic Indicator

To perform the Bovidic test correctly and ensure proper operation of the steam sterilizer, the following steps must be carefully followed:

Empty the autoclave of any sterile instruments and materials and place only the Bovidic test pack in it

The test pack should be placed in the area with the least steam access (usually in the center or lowest shelf)

Run a complete sterilization cycle with standard parameters (usually 134°C for 3.5 minutes)

Immediately after the cycle is complete, remove the test pack and quickly check the color change of the test pattern

If the color has changed uniformly over the entire area (usually from light to dark), this indicates proper operation of the device

If the color change is incomplete, uneven, or accompanied by areas of no change, this indicates a problem with air evacuation, steam penetration, or vacuum pump operation, and the device needs to be checked immediately.

Reminder: This test should be performed daily before using the autoclave to sterilize medical instruments