Dental Terms Chapter 21

Ultrasonic Cleaner

a device that loosens and removes debris with the use of sound waves traveling through a liquid

Chemical Vapor Sterilizer

a piece of equipment that is used for sterilizing by means of hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure

Dry Heat Sterilizer

a piece of equipment used for sterilization by means of heat air

Endospore

a resistant, dormant structure that is formed inside of some bacteria and can withstand adverse conditions

Multi-Parameter Indicator

an indicator that reacts to time, temperature, and the presence of steam

Semi-critical Instruments

instruments that come in contact with oral tissues but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone

Non-critical Instruments

instruments that come into contact with intact skin only

Critical Instruments

instruments used to penetrate soft tissue or bone

autoclave

is a piece of equipment that is used for sterilizing by means of moist heat under pressure

Sterilant

is an agent capable of killing all microorganisms

Event-related packaging

means that it is assumed the contents of a package will remain sterile indefinitely unless the packaging is compromised

Contaminated Area

sterilization center where contaminated items are brought for pre-cleaning

Clean Area

sterilization center, sterilized instruments, fresh disposable supplies, and prepared trays are stored

Single-Parameter Indicator

tapes, strips, and tabs with heat-sensitive chemicals that change color when exposed to a certain temperature

Use-Life

the length of time that a germicidal solution is effective after it has been prepared for use

Biologic Monitor

verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore-forming microorganisms have been destroyed

Biologic Indicators

vials or strips, also known as spore tests, that contain harmless bacterial spores and are used to determine whether a sterilizer is working