Infection Control in Radiology and Dental Labs

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary requirement before items can enter the receiving area in a dental practice?

They must be documented in a log.

They must be approved by the dentist.

They must be disinfected properly. (correct)

They must be covered in plastic.

Which practice is recommended for the maintenance of the receiving area?

Limit access to the area to one staff member.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. (correct)

Use of paper towels for cleaning.

Daily inspections by the dental team.

What is a recommended alternative for disinfecting prostheses that cannot withstand heat sterilization?

Chemical fumigation.

Hot water washing.

Microwave treatment.

Immersion in a disinfectant after thorough cleaning. (correct)

What minimum level of disinfectant activity should be used for cleaning dental prostheses?

Intermediary level with tuberculocidal claim. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper first step after removing impressions from the patient's mouth?

Rinse with tap water. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to note the manufacturer's instructions regarding impression materials?

To ensure effective disinfection procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with heavily soiled prostheses before disinfection?

Clean or scrub them first. Signup and view all the answers

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling prostheses before disinfection?

Gloves and protective outerwear. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to impressions after soaking them in disinfectant for 15 minutes?

Rinse them with tap water and shake them gently. Signup and view all the answers

Why is spraying disinfectant on some types of impressions considered less effective than immersion?

It may not ensure constant contact with all surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

When handling hazardous chemicals, what type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory?

Masks and protective eyewear. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using spray disinfection as mentioned in the content?

It increases the chances of personnel exposure. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is immersion preferred over spraying for disinfecting impressions?

When disinfecting heat-tolerant items. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of impression materials should be sprayed rather than immersed?

Those sensitive to immersion. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if further hand-scrubbing is required after disinfecting?

Keep personal barriers in place. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for soaking impressions in disinfectant?

15 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What should prostheses never be returned in?

Disinfectant solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to prevent cross-contamination in the laboratory?

Performing laboratory work on disinfected items Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended air velocity for the air-suction motor during grinding?

200 ft/min Signup and view all the answers

How often must the lathe unit be disinfected?

Twice a day Signup and view all the answers

What type of agents should be obtained in small quantities to minimize the spread of microorganisms?

Polishing agents Signup and view all the answers

What protective equipment is highly recommended when using a lathe?

Protective eyewear and mask Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a metal enclosure with hand holes on the lathe?

To maximize containment of aerosols Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with all attachments used in the lathe?

Disinfect or dispose of them after use Signup and view all the answers

What type of disinfectant should be used for cleaning dental prostheses before handling?

A hospital disinfectant with at least intermediate-level activity Signup and view all the answers

Which items should be cleaned and heat-sterilized if they are heat-tolerant?

Metal impression trays Signup and view all the answers

What claim must a disinfectant solution have to be suitable for use on items contaminated with HIV or HBV?

Low-level claim Signup and view all the answers

Which practice decreases the chances of exposure to infectious agents during dental procedures?

Consistent use of appropriate PPE Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with heat-tolerant intraoral devices between patients?

Clean and heat-sterilize them Signup and view all the answers

When sending laboratory cases off-site, what specific information should be included?

The disinfection technique used Signup and view all the answers

What should exposed films be placed into after being held within barrier pouches?

A disposable plastic cup Signup and view all the answers

Which item is typically not required to be sterilized in dental radiology?

Exposed radiographic films Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step after removing contaminated barriers from film packs?

Dropping the film packs onto a clean surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in darkroom processing?

Opening film packets with contaminated gloves Signup and view all the answers

During the daylight loader processing, which condition must be met for films to be processed?

Only uncontaminated films are used Signup and view all the answers

How long should plastic film packets be soaked in a disinfectant solution?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after the films are processed in the darkroom?

Place films into appropriate mounts with care Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is taken first when preparing to process films in the darkroom?

Carry the films to the darkroom Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of actions after opening film packets in the darkroom?

Place films on a towel, discard wrappers, and process films Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution is essential while handling exposed film packets?

Avoid contact with any surfaces with contaminated gloves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with unused polishing attachments?

Throw them away Signup and view all the answers

What safety measures should be taken when using materials like gypsum and pumice?

Protect against respiratory and eye contact Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with microbially soiled prostheses before sending them back to the patient?

Disinfect them properly Signup and view all the answers

Why should prostheses never be returned in disinfectant solutions?

They can cause adverse tissue response Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason that returned appliances might not be free of microbial contamination?

They can be contaminated by the operator's body Signup and view all the answers

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used until laboratory items are decontaminated?

Gloves, mask, protective eyewear, and clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with patients who have open oral lesions during treatment?

They facilitate easier microbial penetration Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of the deodorizing solution used for disinfected prostheses?

To neutralize offensive odors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strategies Within Contaminated Zones

The presentation covers basic infection control measures for the Radiology Unit and Dental Lab, specifically for handling and disinfecting items that come into contact with potentially contaminated material.
The presentation emphasizes maintaining aseptic procedures throughout the process to prevent cross-infection.
All items originating from the oral cavity (e.g., prostheses, impressions) are to be sterilized or disinfected before entering the lab and before returning to the patient.
Aseptic procedures will vary depending on the type of dental material.

Laboratory Asepsis

Any instrument or equipment used in the oral cavity or on orally soiled prosthetic devices or impressions may be a source of cross-infection
It's practically impossible to identify all infectious patients based on histories or conversations. All patients should be treated as potentially infectious.
Contaminated items introduced into the lab environment may spread to other patients' prostheses/appliances and potentially expose lab personnel to infectious materials.

Microbially Soiled Prostheses and Impressions

All prostheses from the oral cavity are potential infection sources.
Most prostheses and appliances cannot withstand standard heat-sterilization procedures.
A technique involving proper cleaning followed by disinfection by immersion is recommended.

Protective Barriers

All items from the oral cavity need sterilization or disinfection before use in the lab and before return to the patient.
Guidelines or recommendations for specific types of dental materials may be available (specific procedures may need to be followed according to different materials).
Infection control also involves proper PPE (dependent on the situation) such as gloves, safety eyewear, gowns, and masks during laboratory procedures.

Receiving Areas

A receiving area needs to be established to handle all items coming to the lab.
No item should enter the area before proper disinfection.
The area needs running water and handwashing facilities.
The area should be covered and the counter with impervious paper and cleaned and disinfected regularly to control the rate of disinfection.
The amount of cleaning and disinfecting will vary based on the rate of use.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling items received in the lab until the items have been disinfected.

Spraying

Spraying is a treatment method for some dental materials; it often utilizes the same disinfectant for general disinfection of environmental surfaces.
It is frequently considered less effective than immersion in disinfection, as constant contact with all surfaces to ensure disinfection may be difficult and impossible to achieve effectively.
Spraying may increase personnel exposure risks due to disinfectant release into the air.

Grinding, Polishing, and Blasting

Perform laboratory interventions (e.g., grinding, polishing, blasting) on previously disinfected items, avoiding potential cross-contamination from untreated items.
The tools used in these procedures need to be properly sterilized.
Protect against aerosols, spatter, and projectiles by using a mask, protective eyewear (Plexiglas shield), and correct ventilation systems.
The air suction motor velocity should be at least 200 ft/min.
Use fresh pumice, pan liners for each individual case, and disinfect the lathe unit twice daily.

Intermediate Cases

Dentures, crowns, and various other appliances will undergo an intermediate wax try-in phase.
If these procedures involve oral fluids and materials, disinfection before moving the materials to the lab for further processing is required.
Procedures generally follow similar guidelines to complete projects.

Digital Radiographic Sensors

Digital sensors are not heat-sterilizable or chemically disinfected
The alternative is to prevent contamination using a protective barrier over the sensor and wire.
These sensors provide an alternative to traditional x-rays and can be used repeatedly.

Radiographic Asepsis

Consistent use of appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, eyewear) is vital to prevent exposure to infectious agents.
Environmental surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected appropriately.

Taking Radiographs

Use X-ray films within FDA-cleared barrier pouches and place them on a labeled paper towel or disposable plastic cups.

Darkroom Processing

Use fresh gloves, ensuring caution not to contaminate darkroom surfaces.
Carefully open film packets, dropping films onto a clean paper towel.
Contaminated film wrappers should be placed in designated refuse containers.
After processing, place films into appropriate mounts or charts without contaminating them.

Daylight Loader Processing

Due to the limited processing space, this method is only used on non-contaminated films.
For disinfected films a bleach or iodine solution may be used, and the films are thoroughly rinsed, dried, and then placed into the loader.

Return of Completed Cases

Appliances and prostheses are not free of contamination. Microbial contamination may be from patients or the operator if aseptic procedures are not followed consistently.
Patients' status (open oral lesions, impaired immune systems, or those undergoing chemotherapy treatments) and procedures may pose a risk of easily transmitting microbial infections.
Chairside disinfection is the best location for this process.

Laboratory Asepsis (detailed)

Gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and protective clothing are necessary and should be used, until items are decontaminated.
All prosthetics and prothodontic items (e.g., impressions, bite registrations, occlusal rims, extracted teeth) are to be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and rinsed with a hospital-grade disinfectant. The product should be EPA registered with at least an intermediate disinfection level and ideally tuberculocidal activity.
Consult manufacturers' instructions for material stability relative to the chosen disinfection procedures.
Procedures, solutions used, and duration of the cleaning/disinfection technique are included in the procedure documents and are essential for proper off-site laboratory cases.

Heat-Tolerant Items

Heat-tolerant oral items (e.g., metal trays, facebow forks) should be cleaned and heat-sterilized.
Cleaning and/or disinfection of other laboratory items (not normally in contact with the patient, e.g.; burs, polishing points, rag wheels, articulators, case pans, and lathes) should follow manufacturer guidelines (with an emphasis on disposable items when possible). Use EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with low/intermediate level action as necessary.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This presentation explores essential infection control strategies for the Radiology Unit and Dental Lab. It covers the disinfection and sterilization processes for items in contact with potentially contaminated materials and emphasizes the importance of maintaining aseptic procedures to prevent cross-infection.