STEPS INTO STERI

of handpieces. Hand hygiene (SK-70000723) must be performed before putting on utility gloves. Other PPE requirements include eye protection (BL-30C) or a face shield (BL-PFSDFS4107S) to protect from splashes, and a mask (TA-LEVEL3-EL) to protect from aerosols. A fluid-resistant gown (HS100-6784) or apron (MIA-AP100) is recommended to prevent splashes from the cleaning agents from reaching the skin. Wearing a bouffant cap, like our Henry Schein cap in blue (HS-9889863) or white (HS-9889861) is recommended when packaging instruments to prevent any shed hair from falling onto the work area or into packages.

Cleaning and Decontamination

Instruments that are not able to be cleaned immediately can be covered with a suitable hydrating solution, like Enzymax Spray Gel (HF-IMS1229) or Empower Foam (KE-10-4224S) to prevent the substances from drying on them. Instruments must be rinsed well before the next step of the cleaning process. Warm water, around 35°C, should be used for this initial rinsing. Hot water will coagulate proteins and trap microorganisms, making cleaning more challenging, and the use of cold water will precipitate and solidify lipids (fats).

Mechanical cleaning with an ultrasonic or washer-disinfector is preferred to manual cleaning, as it is more efficient and reduces the risk of exposure to blood and penetrating skin injuries from sharp or pointed instruments. Sometimes it is necessary to clean a delicate or specialised item by manual cleaning, therefore the instrument should be placed in a dedicated instrument cleaning sink, with lukewarm water and an instrument-grade detergent, like Whiteley’s Sonidet (WC-190377) which can be used for both manual and ultrasonic cleaning. To help remove debris, a long-handled nylon instrument brush (HS953-9664) can be used until the instruments are visibly clean. Cleaned Instruments must be rinsed thoroughly with warm to hot running water to remove all traces of detergent and must then be visually inspected. Thorough rinsing is also important after ultrasonic cleaning, however, if you have a washerdisinfector, then there is no requirement for further rinsing at the end of the cycle.

Drying

Prior to steam sterilisation, instruments must be dry. Residual moisture left on instruments may impede the sterilisation process. Lint-free disposable (EC-22480520) or Aquasorb cloths (MJ-AQ2) aid in drying instruments, and a short rinse in very hot water will also help. Washer disinfectors eliminate the need for a separate drying step.

References: ADA, https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/ Publications/Infection-Control/Guidelines-for-Infection-Control/Guidelinesfor-Infection-Control-V4.aspx

Dental Council, https://www.dcnz.org.nz/assets/Uploads/ Consultations/2015/Infectionprevention-and-control-practice-standardeffective1May16.pd

The products listed are provided as suggestions only.