Abstract
This study is to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of using a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser for reducing microbial articulating paper contamination. Articulating papers in four-handed mode, non-four-handed mode, and via an automatic articulating paper dispenser were evaluated. An adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay was used to quantitatively measure the relative light unit (RLU) values of the rest unused articulating papers in the same package to detect contamination at 4 time points, and triplicate examinations were performed for all three methods. The RLUs were recorded, compared, and evaluated. For four-handed mode (n = 36), the RLUs at the four time points were 2.44, 32.89, 37.89, and 27.22, with a satisfactory rate of 94%. The RLUs for non-four-handed mode (n = 36) were 2.22, 286.44, 299.44, and 493.56, with a satisfactory rate of 36%. The RLUs for using the automatic dispenser (n = 36) were all 0 with a satisfactory rate of 100%. The satisfactory rates were significantly different among three methods. No significant differences were observed in the satisfactory rates for the four time points samples. Contact by gloved hands can cause severe biological contamination of articulating paper. However, by using standard four-handed mode or a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser, contamination can be controlled.
Highlights
According to the clinical problems mentioned above, we have developed a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser, theoretically to eradicate cross-infection risks via articulating paper contamination from operation by hand
A randomized study of bacteriological monitoring was conducted to evaluate the hygienic status of the hands of dental personnel when performing dental procedures
Paper exists in actual clinical situation, and we quantitatively evaluated the cross-infection risks via accessing articulating paper in non-four-handed mode, expecting to provide a quantitative reference for clinical infection control
Summary
For the books with five used sheets, 10 used sheets, and 19 used sheets, RLUs of the rest unused samples in four-handed mode were at 32.89, 37.89, and 27.22, respectively, with the highest value of 140. The RLUs for non-four-handed mode were 268.44, 299.44, and 249.56, respectively, with the highest value of 1,680, which was 16 times above the safety threshold. For using the automatic dispenser, the average RLUs were 0, 0, 0, and 0, respectively (Fig. 1). Two samples from the four-handed mode group (n = 36) were unsatisfactory, resulting in a 94% satisfactory rate. 23 samples from the non-four-handed mode group (n = 36) were unsatisfactory, resulting in a satisfactory rate of 36%. No significant differences were observed in the satisfactory rates among the four time points.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
