Levisons Textbook Dental Nursing Infection Control and Cleanliness Notes

Infection Control
Asepsis- Absence of pathogenic micro-organisms
Alcohol Hand Gels- Sanitises hands but can damage nitrile/vinyl gloves,
allowing leakage through the gloves
Cleaning Equipment Colour Code:
 Red- Toilet and washrooms
 Yellow- Clinical/decontamination areas
 Green- Kitchen area
 Blue- Office/reception area
Bleach Based Products (Sodium Hypochlorite)- Disinfects non-metallic/non
textile surfaces, also soaks lab work
Aldehyde Products-Disinfects metallic surfaces and soaks lab work
Isopropyl- Disinfects items e.g x-ray sensor
Chlorhexidine- Used for irrigation or as a skin cleanser
Alcohol Detergent Combinations- Hard surface use
Hypochlorous Acid Products- Used in sprays/DUWLS (Dental Unit Water Lines),
impression disinfectant, instrument solution, ultrasonic disinfection solution,
mouth wash, RCT irrigation
Washer Disinfector Stages:
 Flush- Removes solid/liquid debris with water
 Wash- Removal of debris with chemicals
 Rinse- Rinsing off solution
 Thermal Disinfection- Temperature
 Drying- Heated Air
Automatic Control Test- Cycle parameters achieved
Chemical Dosing- Right amount of disinfectant/detergent
Thermometric Disinfection- Temperatures achieved




Instruments ‘Shelf Life’: