Algorithmic Complexity: Big O Notation

Clean and decontaminate all surfaces after exposure to infectious materials using proper disinfectant. Contact time is vital.

For patients with highly transmissible pathogens for which additional precautions are needed to interrupt transmission. Used with Standard-Universal Precautions.

Washing hands with plain soap and water. Antiseptic handwash, Washing hands with water and soap or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent, Alcohol-based handrub, Rubbing hands with an alcohol-containing preparation, Surgical antisepsis, Handwashing with an antiseptic soap or an alcohol-based handrub before operations by surgical personnel

Protective Eyewear worn by dental personnel and patient prevent transfer of aerosol or spatter of contaminated blood and saliva into the eye. Can be disposable or disinfected after use

Barriers to microorganisms. Non-sterile (examination gloves, over gloves, utility gloves) Sterile (surgical gloves)

Dry heat sterilizers work by heating up air and transferring that heat from the air to that instruments. This form of sterilization requires higher temperatures than are required for steam and other sterilization Dry heat sterilizers operate at about 190 C , or according to manufactures details.

An autoclave is used to sterilize dental instruments and other items by means of steam under pressure. This involves heating water to generate steam to produce a moist heat that rapidly kills microorganisms.

Transport contaminated instruments to the processing area in a manner that minimizes the risk of exposure to persons and the environment.

Clean instruments with a hands free, mechanical process such as use of an ultrasonic cleaner or instrument washer.

Load the sterilizer according to the manufacture instructions. Do not overload the sterilizer. Place packages in single layers on their racks, allow packages to cool before removing them from the sterilizer.

Cleaning- removing of all foreign material (ie dirt, body fluids, lubricants) from objects by using water and detergents or soaps and washing or scrubbing the object. Precleaning removes approximately 99% of bioburden from instruments.

Are used to loosen and remove debris, from instruments. These cleaners also reduce the risk of hand injuries from cuts and punctures that occur during the cleaning process. The ultrasonic cleaner works by producing sound waves beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves which can travel through metal and glass containers cause cavitation (formation of bubbles in liquid). The bubbles which are to small to be seen burst by implosion (bursting inwards the opposite of explosion).

Physical monitoring of the sterilization process involves looking at the gauges and readings on the sterilizer and recording the temperatures, pressure and exposure time. Although correct reading does not give you a true indication it is the first sign that something is wrong

Chemical monitoring involves the use of heat sensitive chemical that changes colour when exposed to certain conditions. The two types of chemical indicators are process indicator and process integrators.

Biological monitoring or spore testing is the only way to determine whether sterilization has occurred and to confirm that all bacteria and endo spores have been killed