Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Questionnaires were sent to 500 orthodontists in all states of the U.S., inquiring about the methods of sterilization used for hand instruments (mirrors, explorers, band pushers, etc.) and hinged instruments (pliers). The practitioners were asked if their sterilization/disinfection methods had been changed recently, and if any changes in methods were due to the risk of disease transmission. Opinions were also solicited regarding the importance of complete sterilization (i.e., destruction of all organisms). An opportunity was provided to rate the effectiveness of the sterilization method in use. Finally, information was requested on any barrier methods used routinely.
The most commonly used method for hand and hinged instruments was cold sterilization with a 2% glutaraldehyde solution. This solution was used by 46.5% of the office for hand instruments, and by 33.5% of the offices for hinged instruments. Quaternary ammonium compounds were used by 26.5% of the offices for hand instruments, and by 19.2% for hinged instruments. Wiping with alcohol was used by 30.4% of the offices for hinged instruments. The most common heat sterilization method used was the chemiclave system (11.5% for hand instruments and 9.1% for hinged).
Of the offices surveyed, 45.5% had changed their methods within the past two years. Of that group, 66.9% had changed as a result of the increased problem with transmissible diseases. Of the offices that had not changed recently, 64.1% were considering doing so as a result of the disease transmission concern. Complete sterilization was considered very important by 47.5% of respondents, while 41.6% ranked it somewhat important. Of the orthodontists surveyed, 16.1% felt that they achieved an excellent level of asepsis in their offices, followed by 58.7% who rated it good, 23.4% average, and 1.4% poor. Protective eyewear was worn by 52.4 % of those surveyed, while gloves and masks were worn routinely by 21.3% and 21.6% of the practitioners, respectively.
On the basis of the literature review, the most effective cold sterilization method (other than ethylene oxide) for the orthodontic office appears to be a 2% glutaraldehyde solution. This technique will not corrode plier joints or the stainless steel surfaces. The best heat sterilization method for the orthodontic office is the chemiclave system, due to its lack of corrosion problems, as well as its relatively rapid cycle time. Ultrasonic cleaning of all instruments prior to sterilization is highly recommended.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:IUPUI/oai:scholarworks.iupui.edu:1805/34197 |
| Date | January 1986 |
| Creators | Burns, Richard H. |
| Contributors | Garner, LaForrest D., Barton, Paul, Dirlam, James H., Miller, James R., Stone, Edward |
| Source Sets | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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