Chapter 21 MDA
what is the method used to remove debris from the head of a hand piece
Flushing the hand piece
does the heat or pressure kill microorganisms in the autoclave
Heat
know the different cycles of the steam autoclave
Heat up cycle- sterilizing cycle, depressurization cycle, drying cycle
what is the best way to determine that sterilization has occurred
Use biologic monitoring
what PPE will be used when processing instruments
Utility gloves, mask, eyewear and protective clothing
would an EPA intermediate level or low level disinfectant be suitable for cleaning non critical instruments
Yes
sterilization destroys what types of microorganisms
all microorganisms- including spores
How often should the ultrasonic cleaner be cleaned and disinfected
at least once a day
Where should the instrument processing area ideally located
centrally located, allowing easy access from all patient care areas
how can a dental assistant be exposed to microorganisms from patient care instruments
contact with contaminated instruments or other patient care items
what classification are instruments that are used to penetrate soft tissue or bone
critical instruments
what are some causes of sterilization errors
direct contact for the correct time between the sterilizing agent and all surfaces of items being processed is insufficient. improper instrument cleaning or packaging
what is the purpose of process indicators
identify instrument packs that have been exposed to a certain temperature
what is the purpose of the holding solution
if an instrument cannot be cleaned immediately after a procedure. this prevents drying of blood and debris on instrument
what is the purpose of biological indicators and how often should they be used
it is the only way to determine whether sterilization has occurred. should be done weekly
Which patient care instruments are considered semi critical
plastic handled brushes, HVE tips, rubber dam forceps, x-ray film holders
know the flow of instrument processing
proceed in a single loop- from dirty to clean to sterile without ever doubling back
what is the cleaning action of the ultrasonic cleaner? how does it work?
produces sound waves- bubbles burst by implosion
What is the next step after instruments have been through the ultrasonic
sent through autoclave
what type of solutions should be used in the ultra sonic
solutions that are specially formulated for use
what is another term for biologic monitoring testing
spore testing
what are the recommended methods for sterilization of dental handpieces
steam sterilization and chemical vapor
Know the difference between sterilization and disinfection
sterilization kills all microorganisms and is the highest level of destruction
what is the reason why instruments are bagged before sterilization
to protect them from becoming contaminated after sterilization
why is flash sterilization used
when the instrument needs quick turn around for the next patient
