1. Using a biological indicator to detect potential sources of cross-contamination in the dental operatory.
- Author
-
Hackney RW Jr, Crawford JJ, and Tulis JJ
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Biomarkers, Cross Infection prevention & control, Culture Media, Disinfectants therapeutic use, Disinfection, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring methods, Evaluation Studies as Topic, Female, Humans, Infection Control, Male, Middle Aged, Mouth microbiology, Saliva microbiology, Streptococcus drug effects, Streptococcus growth & development, Dental Equipment microbiology, Equipment Contamination prevention & control, Streptococcus isolation & purification
- Abstract
The authors conducted a study using surveillance monitoring methodology to identify operatory contamination and to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control procedures. Viridans streptococci were evaluated as biological indicators of oral contamination. Viridans streptococci, abundant in human saliva, were detected on operatory surfaces after dental treatments were finished and surfaces were disinfected. The findings validate current concepts of infection control as demonstrated in barrier methods.
- Published
- 1998
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