RESUMO
UNLABELLED: A literature search revealed six laboratory-based microbial challenge studies which support the opinion that oil contamination does not prevent successful sterilization of the lumen of dental handpieces. However, a detailed appraisal of these papers revealed lack of detail in the cleaning methods used prior to sterilization and none of the papers considered the risks of prion contamination. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An examination of the evidence base on sterilization of oil-lubricated handpieces is of potential value to dental clinicians and their teams.
Assuntos
Instrumentos Odontológicos/microbiologia , Contaminação de Equipamentos/prevenção & controle , Óleos Industriais/microbiologia , Lubrificantes/química , Esterilização/métodos , Desinfetantes de Equipamento Odontológico/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Propriedades de SuperfícieRESUMO
UNLABELLED: HTM 01-05 guidelines state that decontamination of handpieces remains a challenge, in particular the lumen, due to oil impeding access for steam sterilization. This paper discusses important aspects of cleaning and sterilization of the handpiece lumen and critically appraises the literature found on this topic. The paper is not intended to cover precleaning methods in detail. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The complex structure of handpiece lumens makes them difficult to sterilize. Current knowledge of this subject is necessary for general dental practitioners to decide on investment in new equipment correctly, which has been validated by the manufacturer, in order to comply with HTM 01-05 guidelines.
