Why do dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfection? They become contaminated w/ saliva or aerosol containig blood & saliva. They can act as reservoirs for microorganisms. can be transferred to instruments. They can prevent contamination of clinical contact areas.
Full Answer
Why do dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfection?
why does dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfection? Placing barriers on surfaces & equipment can prevent contamination of clinical contact areas. Disinfection is intended to kill disease causing microorganisms that remain on the surface after precleaning.
What are the types of surfaces in the dental office typically covered?
Why would a dental treatment room surface need a barrier or to be disinfected? To prevent surface contamination List the types of surfaces in the …
What surfaces are not directly touched during dental treatment?
Explain why dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfectants. Clinical contact surfaces: touch surface category (e.g., dental chair, dental lamp, handles, switches, draws, cabinets). List the types of surfaces in the dental office that …
Can disinfectants be used in a dental setting?
Sep 15, 2011 · Why do dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfection? They become contaminated w/ saliva or aerosol containig blood & saliva. They can act as reservoirs for microorganisms. can be transferred to instruments. They can prevent contamination of clinical contact areas.
What are the three levels of disinfection?
There are three levels of disinfection: high, intermediate, and low. High-level disinfectants, such as glutaraldehyde, are used as chemical sterilants and should never be used on environmental surfaces.
What is an intermediate level disinfectant?
Intermediate-level disinfectants are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have a tuberculocidal claim , and low-level disinfectant are EPA-registered without a tuberculocidal claim (i.e., hepatitis B virus and HIV label claims).
Why is cleaning important?
What is cleaning and why is it important? Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation.
What happens if you don't clean your surface first?
If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible blood and inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity ...
What does EPA stand for in medical?
* High-level disinfectants should never be used on environmental surfaces. Abbreviation: EPA, Environmental Protection Agency.
Is a digital radiography sensor considered semicritical?
Digital radiography sensors are considered semicritical and should be protected with a Food and Drug Administration- (FDA-) cleared barrier to reduce contamination during use, followed by cleaning and heat sterilization or high-level disinfection between patients.
What are the guidelines for sterilization?
These guidelines state that hinged instruments should be opened; items with removable parts should be disassembled unless the device manufacturer or researchers provide specific instructions or test data to the contrary 181; complex instruments should be prepared and sterilized according to device manufacturer’s instructions and test data; devices with concave surfaces should be positioned to facilitate drainage of water; heavy items should be positioned not to damage delicate items; and the weight of the instrument set should be based on the design and density of the instruments and the distribution of metal mass 811, 962. While there is no longer a specified sterilization weight limit for surgical sets, heavy metal mass is a cause of wet packs (i.e., moisture inside the case and tray after completion of the sterilization cycle) 963. Other parameters that may influence drying are the density of the wraps and the design of the set 964.
When should decontamination be done?
Cleaning and decontamination should be done as soon as possible after items have been used. Several types of mechanical cleaning machines (e.g., utensil washer-sanitizer, ultrasonic cleaner, washer-sterilizer, dishwasher, washer-disinfector) may facilitate cleaning and decontamination of most items.
What is contaminated instrument?
Contaminated instruments are a source of microorganisms that could inoculate personnel through nonintact skin on the hands or through contact with the mucous membranes of eyes, nose, or mouth 214, 811, 813. Reusable sharps that have been in contact with blood present a special hazard.
How long are sterilized surgical trays sterile?
Heat-sealed, plastic peel-down pouches and wrapped packs sealed in 3-mil (3/1000 inch) polyethylene overwrap have been reported to be sterile for as long as 9 months after sterilization. The 3-mil polyethylene is applied after sterilization to extend the shelf life for infrequently used items 967. Supplies wrapped in double-thickness muslin comprising four layers, or equivalent, remain sterile for at least 30 days. Any item that has been sterilized should not be used after the expiration date has been exceeded or if the sterilized package is wet, torn, or punctured.
What are chemical indicators?
Chemical indicators are convenient, are inexpensive, and indicate that the item has been exposed to the sterilization process. In one study, chemical indicators were more likely than biological indicators to inaccurately indicate sterilization at marginal sterilization times (e.g., 2 minutes) 847.
What is a barrier made of?
They generally are made of clear plastic supplied as wraps, bags, or tubes, or as plastic-backed paper. Some barriers contain a mild adhesive on one side to keep them in place on the surface; others might use a drawstring closure to secure the cover; and some plastics "cling" when placed in contact with a smooth surface.
Why are plastic bags used?
To reduce costs, thin (rather than thick) plastic sheets or bags can be used as long as they are not punctured by the surface or instrument being covered. The procedure. Barriers generally are applied before surfaces have the chance to become contaminated. They are placed on clean surfaces prior to seating the patient.