Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

What action should be taken if the Bowie Dick test fails upon first execution?

1. Re-run the test immediately

2. Report to the Supervisor for further instruction

3. Perform a physical inspection of the sterilizer

4. Document the failure and continue

The correct answer is: Report to the Supervisor for further instruction

The appropriate action to take if the Bowie Dick test fails upon its initial execution is to report to the Supervisor for further instruction. This course of action is essential because a failing Bowie Dick test indicates a potential issue with the steam penetration in the sterilization process, which could compromise the sterility of the instruments being processed. Taking immediate steps by consulting the Supervisor ensures that a qualified individual can assess the situation and determine the necessary troubleshooting steps, which may include examining the sterilizer's settings, maintenance history, or even conducting further tests to identify the root cause of the failure. Reporting the issue is critical for maintaining safety standards and compliance with protocols in sterile processing environments. While re-running the test might seem like a logical option, it does not address the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the sterilization process and could overlook underlying issues. Physical inspection of the sterilizer and documenting the failure are also important but should typically follow the guidance from a Supervisor to ensure proper procedures are followed.