An Update on Instrument Processing

Categories: Infection Prevention

Author(s): Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA

Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

The overall objective of this article is to provide the reader with information on instrument processing. On completing this article, the reader will be able to do the following:
 

1. Define the elements of the chain of infection;
2. Delineate and describe the differences in the processing of critical, semicritical and noncritical instruments;
3. Review the use of presoaks and cleaning of instruments;
4. List and describe heat sterilization options and appropriate sterilization packaging; and
5. Review the uses and purposes of chemical and biological indicators.

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Abstract

Safe and effective instrument processing is a key element of the infection prevention cycle. This process must meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. The steps involved depend on whether the instruments are critical, semicritical, or noncritical. Critical and heat-resistant critical instruments must be heat-sterilized. Prior to heat sterilization, instruments are wrapped in appropriate FDA-cleared sterilization packaging, which must include chemical indicators. Sterilization processes must be tested for sterility assurance in accordance with the guidelines and all sterilization records maintained.
 

COMMERCIAL SUPPORTER: This course has been made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Dentsply Sirona Preventive.