MAINTENANCE AND USE MANUAL
The Bowie & Dick cycle verifies that the steam penetrates properly inside a porous load. Carry out the
test cycle after removing all trays from the autoclave chamber but the central one: place the test pack
without any other instrument on this tray. Select the "Helix / B&D" cycle and start the cycle. The cycle
result is confirmed by the test-pack result.
This test should be performed to check steam penetration into a hollow load. Carry out the test cycle
after removing all trays from the autoclave chamber but the central one: place the
"Helix-Indicator System" on this tray (without any other instrument). Select the "Helix / B&D" cycle and
start the cycle. The cycle result is confirmed by the test paper included in the test
material (see drawing below).
Bowie & Dick test: positive
The Vacuum Test cycle is used to detect any pressure losses in the sterilisation chamber. This test
should be carried out on an empty machine, prior to starting other sterilisation cycles.
The cycle cannot start if the temperature inside the sterilisation temperature is >40°.
Select "Vacuum Test" and start the cycle. The autoclave reaches the selected vacuum degree and will
hold it for 15 minutes. The test result is given by the "END CYCLE" message
appearing on screen and by the relevant printout. If the machine failed the test (AL0600 or AL0601),
the door seal should be checked, cleaned or, if necessary, replaced (paragraph 14.1). Similarly, the
sterilisation chamber rim should be checked also. Finally, the test should be repeated. A failed
Vacuum Test does not bar the use of the steriliser in the near future. However, it is recommended that
you contact a technical support centre as sterilisation cycles may be affected in the long term.
zetaclave B
EN
CHAPTER 11: TEST CYCLES
Helix test: positive / negative
"BOWIE & DICK" CYCLE
"HELIX TEST" CYCLE
VACUUM TEST
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11.1
11.2
11.3