Sterile processing & infection control blog — page 4

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a heightened awareness of airborne or contact contamination has drawn attention to sterile processing. There is no doubt that dentists across the country are vigilant about the importance of sterilizing their instruments, however, it must be clear that reprocessing requires a series of standardized, repeatable, effective and safe steps.

As the economy and disposable income bounces back, a rigorous safety infection prevention plan will become the new standard for medical and dental professionals, not only for compliance of industry regulations but the need to reassure the public at large of dental safety.

Sterilization in today’s infection control environment has taken on a new level of safety. Increasing the risk of infection spread is precisely what laboratory technicians need to avoid, and when dealing with microorganisms, it is critical to understand what your autoclave can do for you.

Sterilization monitoring is necessary for each autoclave load, including mechanical and chemical indicators as required and recommended, plus, depending on your location, spore testing (biological indicators). Spore testing provides a reliable method for sterility assurance. Unlike mechanical or chemical indicators, spore testing determines that spores – the most resistant microorganisms – have been killed during sterilization.

Tuttnauer’s Elara autoclaves solve the problem of contaminated pre-vacuum air removal eliminating the risk of exposing yourself, your staff and patients to Coronavirus.

The Coronavirus pandemic caught the world by surprise. It is rapidly escalating and can only be contained by the use of extreme measures. Tuttnauer, a member of the Infection Control community, plays an essential role in the daily battle against cross-infection.

Autoclaves are a critical part of effective infection control in the dental office. Whether you are looking to purchase your next autoclave, an additional autoclave, or your first autoclave, there are a number of considerations. Let’s focus in on tabletop autoclaves, the most frequently used in dental clinics.

Dental health care workers (DHCW) encounter many risks daily. It is crucial to understand the fundamentals of sterilization and infection control. Regardless of the large penalties that the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been imposing, it is health care providers duty to take unprecedented safety precautions.

What will look like the process of designing your dental practice? Ideally, it will be functional an appear to be sleek, streamlined, elegant and say something about you, the dentist who manages it. It should reflect the high level of service you provide to your patients and how much you care about them.