VPCD Helix Process Challenge Device (PCD)

The Gold Standard for Autoclave Performance Monitoring

Ensure compliance, protect your patients, and eliminate the ongoing cost of disposable plastic PCDs. The VPCD Helix Process Challenge Device is the premium stainless steel solution for daily autoclave testing in Australian healthcare practices.

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✓ Key Benefits

• 3,000 or 10,000 cycle lifespan - replaces up to 50 plastic PCDs
• Premium stainless steel construction - built for demanding clinical environments
• AS 5369:2023 compliant - meets Australian sterilisation standards
• Compatible with all B-Class benchtop steam sterilisers
• Cost-effective - one-time investment saves thousands over time
• Clear pass/fail results - no interpretation required

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What Is a Process Challenge Device (PCD)?

A Process Challenge Device is a critical component of any effective sterilisation quality assurance program. Designed to simulate the most demanding sterilisation challenge of a long, narrow lumen (such as a dental handpiece), it rigorously tests whether steam penetration has been achieved in every autoclave cycle.

Why it matters: The PCD protects your patients and ensures your practice remains fully compliant with Australian infection control standards.

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What Is the Helix / Bowie-Dick Test?

The terms Bowie-Dick Test, Helix Test, and Daily Air Removal and Steam Penetration Test are synonymous when used in relation to benchtop sterilisers.

The test is performed using the dedicated hollow load or Bowie-Dick test cycle available on most small steam sterilisers, and is designed to:

• Detect air pockets in the sterilisation chamber
• Verify adequate steam penetration
• Identify the two most common causes of sterilisation failure

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How It Works: Class 2 Indicator Strip - Every Cycle, Every Time

A Class 2 chemical indicator strip must be placed inside the Helix PCD for every sterilisation cycle, not just the daily start-up test.

Together, the PCD and Class 2 strip form a Type 2 indicator system in accordance with EN ISO 11140-1, providing immediate visual confirmation that all critical cycle parameters have been met:

• Time
• Temperature
• Steam quality

Simple to use: A pass result is indicated by a clear colour change on the strip. No interpretation required - simply check, record, and proceed.

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Daily Start-Up Testing Requirements

Before processing any instruments each day, a full Helix test with a Class 2 indicator strip must be completed. This confirms your autoclave is functioning correctly following any overnight shutdown, maintenance, or servicing.

⚠️ Important: A failed result must halt all processing until the fault is identified and resolved.

Critical cycle parameters for B-Class benchtop sterilisers:

• 3.5 minutes at 134°C, OR
• 15 minutes at 121°C (steam process)

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Why Choose the VPCD Helix PCD Over Plastic Alternatives?

Ditch conventional plastic devices with short lifespans. The VPCD Helix PCD is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, built for long-term, repeated use in demanding clinical environments.

Feature	VPCD Helix PCD	Plastic PCDs
Material	Stainless steel	Plastic
Lifespan	3,000 - 10,000 cycles	50 - 100 cycles
Durability	Robust, long-lasting	Degrades over time
Cost over 5 years	One-time investment	Ongoing replacement costs
Environmental impact	Minimal waste	Regular disposal required

 

The result: Outstanding value, consistent performance, and peace of mind for years to come.

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Who Needs This? Australian Compliance Requirements

All office-based healthcare and personal care practices in Australia are required to comply with AS 5369:2023 (which replaces AS/NZS 4815:2006), the national standard for reprocessing of reusable medical devices.

This includes:

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

Using a PCD with a Class 2 indicator strip in every cycle is a key requirement for meeting these standards and demonstrating a robust infection control program.

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Documentation and Record Keeping

Used Class 2 indicator strips and cycle results must be recorded in your steriliser log after every cycle. Retaining this documentation provides a clear, auditable trail for:

• Regulatory inspections
• Accreditation requirements
• Clinical governance
• Professional indemnity

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Product Specifications

• Material: High-grade stainless steel
• Lifespan: 3,000 or 10,000 cycles (model dependent)
• Compatibility: All B-Class benchtop steam sterilisers
• Indicator: Requires Class 2 chemical indicator strip (sold separately)
• Standards compliance: AS 5369:2023, EN ISO 11140-1, ISO 11140-4 & 5, EN 867-5

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to replace this device?
A: The VPCD Helix PCD is rated for 3,000 or 10,000 cycles depending on the model. For a typical dental practice running 2 cycles per day, the 10,000-cycle model will last over 13 years.

Q: Are Class 2 indicator strips included?
A: Class 2 indicator strips are consumables and sold separately. You'll need one strip per sterilisation cycle.

Q: Is this suitable for my autoclave?
A: Yes, the VPCD Helix PCD is compatible with all B-Class benchtop steam sterilisers commonly used in Australian practices.

Q: What's the difference between the 3,000 and 10,000 cycle versions?
A: Both are constructed from the same high-quality stainless steel. The 10,000-cycle version features enhanced durability for high-volume practices.

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Ensure compliance and protect your patients - invest in the VPCD Helix PCD today.

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