Infection Control and Barrier Techniques Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Infection Control and Barrier Techniques flashcards as text
Which organization publishes the 'Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings' that dental practices in the US must follow?
Answer: CDC
The CDC publishes the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, which serve as the primary infection control standard for dental practices.
When using a saliva ejector, which practice should be avoided to prevent backflow contamination?
Answer: Allowing the patient to close their lips around the tip
Patients should not close their lips around the saliva ejector tip because this creates negative pressure that can draw previously suctioned fluids back into the patient's mouth.
What does the term 'critical instrument' refer to in the Spaulding classification system?
Answer: Instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone
Critical instruments are those that penetrate soft tissue or bone and carry the highest risk of infection, requiring sterilization before each use.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be changed between patients regardless of visible soiling?
Answer: Gloves
Gloves must be changed between each patient because they are single-use items and cannot be adequately decontaminated for reuse.
How long should instruments be immersed in a chemical sterilant (cold sterilization) to achieve sterilization rather than just high-level disinfection?
Answer: 6–10 hours
Achieving sterilization with chemical sterilants typically requires 6–10 hours of immersion, whereas shorter contact times achieve only high-level disinfection.
A dental assistant notices the autoclave's biological indicator test shows growth after a cycle. What is the correct immediate action?
Answer: Stop using the autoclave and remove all non-implantable items sterilized since the last negative test
A positive biological indicator means the sterilizer failed; the autoclave must be removed from service immediately and all items sterilized since the last successful test must be recalled and resterilized.
Which type of waste generated in dental offices is regulated by the EPA and must be disposed of in specific red biohazard containers?
Answer: Sharps and items saturated with blood
Regulated medical waste includes sharps and items saturated (not just lightly soiled) with blood or other potentially infectious materials, which must be placed in appropriate biohazard containers.