Monitoring Sterilisers in Office-Based Practices with the Premium Process Challenge Device (PCD)

A Process Challenge Device (PCD) is essential for monitoring your sterilization program. It tests the efficacy of your autoclave during each cycle. Many small steam sterilizers include a cycle called the “Bowie Dick Test Program.” The Helix test, compliant with EN 867-5, can be used in this cycle. By performing this test daily at start-up, you ensure your sterilizer is operational and meets performance standards.

Terminology:

• Bowie Dick Test
• Helix Test
• Daily Air Removal and Steam Penetration Test

These terms are synonymous when referring to benchtop sterilisers.

Compliant with ASNZ 4815:2006, AS 5369:2023

Office-based healthcare practices in Australia must follow the 

ASNZ 4815:2006, now replaced with AS 5369:2023 standard, titled "Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organizations."

Definition of Office-Based Practices:

Office-based practices provide healthcare services outside routine hospital settings, such as private consulting rooms and health clinics. Examples include:

• Dental offices
• Podiatry clinics
• Ophthalmology practices
• Skin cancer clinics
• Cosmetic clinics
• Beauty therapists
• Tattoo parlors
• Body piercing studios
• Veterinary practices

Adhering to ASNZ 4815:2006, AS 5369:2023 ensures that sterilization and reprocessing procedures meet current standards, enhancing patient safety and infection control.

Infection Control Compliance

For effective infection control, use a PCD with Class II chemical indicators, forming a Type 2 indicator system per EN ISO 11140-1. A PCD simulates a challenge equal to or greater than the most difficult instrument processed in a sterilization cycle. Each autoclave cycle requires a PCD with a Class II Indicator strip.

Critical Parameters for Dental Bench Top B Class Sterilizer:

• 3.5 minutes at 134˚C
• 15 minutes at 121˚C (STEAM process)

VERIFY+ Helix process challenge device (PCD)

Ditch conventional plastic devices with short lifespans. The VERIFY+ Helix PCD, made of high-quality steel, is durable and long-lasting. It validates your sterilizer's performance with a Class 2 test strip inside the Helix PCD module. The test strip changes color, providing clear visual confirmation of successful sterilization parameters.

Advantages:

1. Lifespan of 3000 cycles
2. Cost-effective compared to frequently replaced plastic counterparts
3. Robust and durable, ensuring long-term use

The VERIFY+ Helix PCD is your ultimate assurance for autoclave performance, offering outstanding value and endurance.

References: ASNZ 4815:2006.AS 5369:2023/ISO 11140-1, ISO 11140-4&5, EN 867-5, ISO 17665-1, EN 285, ISO 13060