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