Page 122 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

• It is advisable to soak the instruments in a lubricant and a rust and corrosion
inhibitor before packing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this.
• Before final sterilization, instruments should still be handled as though
contaminated and handled using gloves.
4. Packaging
Critical and semi-critical instruments that are heat sterilized, must be packaged, or
placed into container systems to maintain sterility of the processed item after
sterilization
5. Sterilization
• When processing any of the following items a vacuum autoclave (Type S or Type
B) will be required packaged items i.e. for storage purposes hollow items, such
as dental hand pieces or cannulae porous items, such as drapes or gowns.
• When processing only solid, un-packaged instruments and none of the above
items, a Type N (downward displacement) autoclave will be sufficient.
• Sterilization of unwrapped instruments is usually only for flash sterilization i.e.
sterilization of items for immediate use

6. Storage
• After sterilization instruments must be stored in an enclosed area.
• Packages must be inspected before use to verify barrier integrity and dryness.
• First in, first out system should be observed.

6.5.5. Cleaning and Disinfection of Treatment Room
1. Clinical contact surfaces
• Clinical contact surfaces are surfaces that might become contaminated with
blood and during a procedure and include the dental chair, light handles, dental
chair controls, dental radiographic equipment, chair side computers etc.
• Avoid contact with non-working surfaces once treatment has commenced
• For disinfection of clinical contact surfaces use:

 low level disinfectants when the surfaces are not visibly contaminated,
 intermediate level disinfectants when the surfaces are visibly contaminated
with blood.
 high level disinfectants are usually not used as they may be toxic to the
personnel or damage the surfaces.
• Because of the risks associated with exposure to chemical disinfectants and
contaminated surfaces chemical and puncture resistant gloves and other PPE
must be worn during the cleaning process.

Ministry of Health Malaysia 111