Sterile Techniques in Everyday Practice

Abstract

Several techniques of sterilization of various items for use in the dental office which can be effectively accomplished without undue effort have been presented. A complete listing of all sterilization procedures is obviously not within the scope of this paper. Some of the more important particulars in sterilization are reiterated. The importance of instrument storage in dry sterile containers has been emphasized while depreciating the occasional reliance on instrument storage in disinfecting solutions. Pertinent points in the preparation of syringes and needles for sterilization and storage have been outlined. Accenting the importance of needle cleaning, sterilization, and safe storage is the primary intent of this attention. A different idea in the sterilization and storage of the anesthetic cartridge, a particularly trying item to maintain in the sterile state, is projected. The method of autoclaving anesthetic cartridges in disposable envelopes has proven a highly effective and satisfying means of managing this problem item. A casual survey of the manner in which chemical disinfectants are used and abused, done in a chance evaluation of 60 chemical disinfectant samples obtained in 41 randomly selected offices, is offered. Though the results are not inferred to be statistically significant, the finding of contaminated solutions in active use in 17 per cent of the offices visited, or 11.6 per cent of the samples procured, is highly suggestive that close attention is not being given to proper selection or use of chemical disinfectants. A more thorough basic understanding of solution use is needed.