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Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various cleaning methods in reducing airborne endotoxin and microbial aerosols during oral cleaning procedures. Method: Forty patients undergoing oral cleaning procedures were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10 per group). Group A received strong suction alone; Group B received strong suction combined with an air disinfection machine; Group C received strong suction combined with a dental electric suction machine; Group D received strong suction in conjunction with both an air disinfection machine and a dental electric suction machine. Airborne aerosol concentrations were assessed at four-time points: before treatment, 30 min into treatment, immediately after treatment, and 60 min after treatment ended. Samples were collected at distances of 20 cm, 60 cm, and 1 m from the patient's oral cavity using the natural sedimentation method. T-test was used to evaluate the difference among tested groups. Results: Airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols levels increased significantly during treatment, with the highest levels observed at 20 cm from the patient's mouth. During treatment, groups with additional cleaning methods (Groups B, C, and D) exhibited higher levels of airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols compared to Group A (strong suction alone). However, post-treatment analysis revealed that Group D demonstrated the lowest level of airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols, while Group A exhibited the highest. Conclusions: Implementing effective aerosol management strategies can significantly reduce aerosol dispersion in the oral clinical environment. Continuous monitoring aerosol concentrations and the application of appropriate control measures are essential for minimizing infection risks for both patients and healthcare providers during oral cleaning procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Sterilization in dental practice is crucial for infection prevention. The aim of this study was to identify the presence and causes of bacterial growth using biological indicators in dental sterilization equipment in San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico, with different consecutive measurements over a year. Methods: This longitudinal cohort, conducted from January 2022 to January 2024 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, aimed to identify the presence and causes of bacterial growth in dental sterilization equipment using biological indicators. A total of 207 dental offices were approached, and 175 participated, providing data through questionnaires and monitoring sterilization cycles with BIs. The checks were bimonthly for one year, with a total of six checks. Results: (a) An 11% (n = 1188) incidence of bacterial growth was observed, with a higher percentage in dry heat equipment (13%). (b) Upon analyzing the six consecutive verifications over a year, no statistically significant differences were observed in the failures of the sterilization cycles when comparing the two pieces of equipment. (c) Error in temperature and time of the equipment (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.6–3.9, p = 0.0001) was significantly associated with the presence of bacterial growth during the one-year period. Conclusions: Monitoring sterilization cycles and identifying the causes of bacterial growth with different consecutive verifications decreased the presence of bacterial growth (failures) during the one-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhancing the current breast pump sanitization method may improve maternal satisfaction and increase a mother's likelihood of providing human milk for their hospitalized infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Other than Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there is lack of studies on sanitization practices. Currently, the only option in the hospital setting for breast pump equipment cleaning is a steam sanitization plastic bag. Purpose: Using the Q. Basin will increase participant satisfaction compared to the steam sanitization bag. Methods: A multi-phased pilot study was conducted in our quaternary care NICU to test the Q. Basin, a novel design developed to wash, dry, and safely steam sanitize breast pump equipment compared to the standard steam bag. A bacterial study was conducted on breast pump equipment from 10 mothers by swabbing the equipment immediately at hour zero and 24 hours. Twenty NICU mothers concurrently evaluated their satisfaction via a 3-question survey comparing the Q. Basin and the steam sanitization plastic bag method. Results: The results showed a 20% increase in satisfaction with Q. Basin compared to the steam bag method. Implications for Practice and Research: Data analysis from the satisfaction survey concludes that mothers pumping preferred the Q. Basin as a quicker, faster, and more environmentally friendly method for breast pump part sanitization. Additional safety and materials studies are required before using the Q. Basin in the clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to concerns about the potential airborne transmission of the virus during dental procedures, but evidence of actual transmission in clinical settings was lacking. This study aimed to observe the behavior of dental sprays generated from dental rotary handpieces and to evaluate the effectiveness of high-volume evacuators (HVEs) using laser light sheets and water-sensitive papers. Methods: A dental manikin and jaw model were mounted in a dental treatment unit. Mock cutting procedures were performed on an artificial tooth on the maxillary left central incisor using an air turbine, a contra-angle electric micromotor (EM), and a 1:5 speed-up contra-angle EM (×5EM). Intraoral vacuum and extraoral vacuum (EOV) were used to verify the effectiveness of the HVEs. The dynamics and dispersal range of the dental sprays were visualized using a laser light sheet. In addition, environmental surface pollution was monitored three-dimensionally using water-sensitive papers. Results: Although the HVEs were effective in both the tests, the use of EOV alone increased vertical dispersal and pollution. Conclusions: The use of various types of HVEs to reduce the exposure of operators and assistants to dental sprays when using dental rotary cutting instruments is beneficial. The study findings will be helpful in the event of a future pandemic caused by an emerging or re-emerging infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand hygiene plays a pivotal role in preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Nevertheless, the quality of hand disinfection techniques remains suboptimal, and the reliability of assessment methodologies is notably lacking. This study aimed to evaluate hand disinfection techniques using an automated system in an Italian research hospital. Hospital employees underwent automated hand-disinfection technique assessment, according to the World Health Organization's six-step protocol, at a basal time and two further times. Detection was carried out with a scanner that evaluated the effective hand disinfectant coverage through a fluorescent dye present in the hydro-alcoholic gel rub. The hand-hygiene technique of 222 employees was analyzed by HandInScan®. At the initial assessment of hand coverage with the hydro-alcoholic gel, the mean palm coverage was 82.2%, mean back coverage was 66.8%, and overall mean hand coverage was 74.5%. Then, two measurements were performed in June (t1) and December 2022 (t2). The third measurement showed an increase in hand coverage, with a mean palm coverage of 97.2%, a mean back coverage of 91.8%, and a mean hand coverage of 94.5% (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean coverage of the hand-back was lower than that of the hand-palm at all times (p < 0.001). The automated scanner provided evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing hand hygiene among hospital employees. These findings have motivated researchers to conduct long-term studies, given the potential effects on HAI prevention—including their impact on HAI trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a new method for identifying radiation modifications in UHMWPE polymer samples. The method involves using a mathematical technique called fractional order differential transformation on IR spectra obtained through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. This new method was compared to existing techniques such as FTIR, XRD, and DSC, and it was found to be more sensitive and accurate in detecting radiation-induced changes in the polymer. The study focused on identifying changes in weak IR bands in the UHMWPE samples caused by gamma sterilization while simulating IR spectra using different orders of fractional derivatives and compared them to experimental spectra. It was found that applying a lower order of differentiation was more suitable for identifying radiation-induced changes in the UHMWPE samples. Using this method, they were able to identify specific changes in the gamma irradiated structure, such as the splitting of a single absorption peak into a doublet, which was only present in the 50 kGy irradiated sample. The study also used correlation index analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchy cluster analysis to analyze the simulated and experimental spectra. These techniques allowed to confirm the effectiveness of the fractional order differential transformation method and to identify the specific regions of the IR spectra that were affected by radiation-induced changes in the UHMWPE samples. Overall, this study presents a new method for identifying radiation-induced changes in UHMWPE polymer samples that is more sensitive and accurate than existing techniques. By identifying these changes, researchers can better understand the effects of gamma sterilization on medical equipment and potentially develop new methods for sterilization that do not damage the equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Dental procedures involving drilling and grinding can produce a significant amount of suspended aerosol particles (PM) and bioaerosols. This study aims to analyze the size and concentration of aerosol particles generated during drilling and to investigate the effectiveness of two air exchange systems, namely forceful suction (FS) and air disinfection machines (DM), in removing PM. Methods: For this study, 100 extracted permanent teeth were collected and divided into three groups: without suction (n = 50), suction with forceful suction (n = 25), and suction with air disinfection machines (n = 25). The removal rate of suspended aerosol particles was analyzed using particle counters and air data multimeter. Results: When drilling and grinding were performed without vacuum, 0.75% of the aerosol particles generated were PM2.5-10, 78.25% of total suspended aerosol particles (TSP) were PM2.5, and 98.68% of TSP were PM1. The nanoanalyzer measurements revealed that the aerodynamic diameter of most aerosol particles was below 60 nm, with an average particle diameter of 52.61 nm and an average concentration of 2.6*1011 ultrafine aerosol particles. The air change per hour (ACH) was significantly lower in the air disinfection machines group compared to the forceful suction group. Additionally, the number of aerosol particles and mass concentration was significantly lower in the air disinfection machines group compared to the forceful suction group in terms of PM2.5 levels. However, the forceful suction group also reduced the mass concentration in PM10 level than the air disinfection machines group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the air exchange system can reduce the aerosol particles generated during drilling and grinding. Comparing the two air exchange systems, it was found that the air disinfection machines group reduces the number of aerosol particles and mass concentration in PM2.5 levels, while the forceful suction group reduces the mass concentration in PM10 level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous studies and recommendations on the complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation, but few on prevention and control of infection in non-invasive ventilation (NIV), especially at the hospital environment. Healthcare workers (HCW) should be alert to the potential risk of transmission of infection in NIV. The main goal of this manuscript is to establish and promote good practices in the prevention and control of infections associated with NIV, as well as the development of a document that can serve as a guideline for HCW. A review of the literature on cleaning and disinfection of devices in NIV was carried out between February 2019 and August 2020 and the technical specifications of NIV devices, published by the manufacturers, were also analyzed. NIV devices require a high level of disinfection using chemical disinfectants. It is necessary to clean and disinfect the surface of the ventilator daily, while the rest of the components should be cleaned and disinfected with a weekly frequency. It should avoid active humidification when possible, favoring passive humidification. Using a bacteriological filter is extremely important in a hospital environment and should be considered. In patients with COVID-19, it is also recommended to use non-ventilated interfaces and 2 filters, one bacteriological at the outlet of the ventilator and another preferably Heat and Moisture Exchanging Filter (HMEF) in the interface. The cleaning and disinfection instructions for NIV are based on recommendations for decontamination of semi-critical material and basic infection control precautions. This document provides an orientation guide of the main procedures to be implemented in the prevention and control of infection in NIV that must be adapted to each hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jenny Nixon looks at the UK guidance testing requirements for decontamination equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study's main goal is to assess the overall cost of asepsis and hygiene procedures across all divisions of the dental consultation and treatment center. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to meet this goal, and data were gathered using a questionnaire customized for the investigation. Software called SPSS was used for the data analysis. The findings of our survey have drawn attention to the significant expense incurred by the Casablanca Dental Consultation and Treatment Center (CDCT) in order to adhere to the various asepsis and hygiene recommendations. Each CDCT department is equipped with various methods for patient protection, consumables they will need, pre-disinfection, packaging, and sterilization equipment. When compared to other departments, some, like conservative dentistry and assistant and joint prosthesis, use more gloves than others. The CDCT can continue to improve the standard and cost of hygiene by applying recommendations, being organized rigorously, respecting the asepsis chain, and having management expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the knowledge and educational needs of operating room(OR) and central supply room (CSR) nurses about medical equipment reprocessing . Methods: The subjects were 148 operating room and central supply room nurses working at 13 general hospitals in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The descriptive study surveyed knowledge and educational needs about medical device reprocessing among nurses. Data were collected from April 1 to May 20, 2022 and, analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS 27.0. Results: The participants were 66 CSR nurses and 82 OR nurses. The score for knowledge was 26.93±4.14 and the highest score in knowledge and educational needs was found for sterilization indicators. The number of beds was significantly associated with knowledge (F=3.16, p=.046), and OR nurses had higher scores for educational needs than CSR nurses (t=3.28, p<.001). Exposure to external education was associated with a higher score for educational needs (t=1.73, p=043). In knowledge, significant differences according to the current department were found for return and cleaning (t=-4.02, p<.001) and, sterilization methods (t=2.57, p=.006). Regarding educational needs, significant differences were found according to the current department in return and cleaning (t=2.83, p=.003), packing (t=2.85, p=.003), sterilization methods (t=3.29, p<.001). Sterilization indicators (t=2.26, p=.013), and sterilization maintenance and release (t=3.85, p<.001). Conclusion: The risk of medical device related infection should be minimized through correct reprocessing. It is necessary to develop an educational program for nurses in charge of reprocessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Packaging & Food Machinery is the property of Packaging & Food Machinery Magazine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, the reuse or reprocessing of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) may be required to mitigate exposure risk. Research gap: Only a few studies evaluated decontamination effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 that are practical for low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a relatively inexpensive ultraviolet germicidal irradiation chamber to decontaminate FFRs contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. A custom-designed UVGI chamber was constructed to determine the ability to decontaminate seven FFR models including N95s, KN95, and FFP2s inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. Vflex was excluded due to design folds/pleats and UVGI shadowing inside the chamber. Structural and functional integrity tolerated by each FFR model on repeated decontamination cycles was assessed. Twenty-seven participants were fit-tested over 30 cycles for each model and passed if the fit factor was ≥100. Of the FFR models included for testing, only the KN95 model failed filtration. The 3M™ 3M 1860 and Halyard™ duckbill 46727 (formerly Kimberly Clark) models performed better on fit testing than other models for both pre-and-post decontaminations. Fewer participants (0.3 and 0.7%, respectively) passed fit testing for Makrite 9500 N95 and Greenline 5200 FFP2 and only two for the KN95 model post decontamination. Fit testing appeared to be more affected by donning & doffing, as some passed with adjustment and repeat fit testing. A ≥ 3 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 was achieved for worn-in FFRs namely Greenline 5200 FFP2. Conclusion: The study showed that not all FFRs tested could withstand 30 cycles of UVGI decontamination without diminishing filtration efficiency or facial fit. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 log reduction varied across the FFRs, implying that the decontamination efficacy largely depends on the decontamination protocol and selection of FFRs. We demonstrated the effectiveness of a low-cost and scalable decontamination method for SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on fit testing using people instead of manikins. It is recognized that extensive experimental evidence for the reuse of decontaminated FFRs is lacking, and thus this study would be relevant and of interest in crisis-capacity settings, particularly in low-resource facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study presented a cleaning method for orthodontic NiTi-closed coils and evaluated its effect on the force characteristics of these coils. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 160 orthodontic NiTi-closed coils, 160 orthodontic NiTi-closed coils (9 mm) from two brands G and H and DB, randomly assigned into four groups. Group 1: Three times of immersion in the 10% hydrochloric acid (HCI) solution for 1 min followed by the immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min. Group 2: Three times autoclave sterilization. Group 3: Three times of immersion in 10% HCI solution for 1 min, followed by the immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min and autoclave sterilization. Group 4: No immersion and no sterilization. The forces of coils were measured at 25, 23, 21, 19, and 17 mm extension. To measure the force characteristics of coils, an electromechanical universal testing machine was used. For the statistical analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann- Whitney U-tests were used at 0.05 significance level. Results: In G and H coils, no significant differences between the mean forces of different groups were found in any extensions. In DB coils, only in 25 mm extension, there were no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.144). In 17-, 19-, and 21-mm extensions, significant differences (P < 0.001) were found like in 23 mm extension (P = 0.05). In both brands, more extension makes significant more forces statistically (P < 0.01). In all extensions, G and H coils have significant less forces (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Immersion in HCl, 10% for 1 min followed by the immersion in NaOCl, 5.25% for 5 min followed by autoclave sterilization, even three times repeating of this process, did not result in significant changes in the force characteristics of A-NiTi-closed coils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article argues that endotracheal tube (ETT) cleaning devices are a means to remove ETT occlusions and reduce inner-lumen biofilm colonization, but not a solution to improve patient outcomes such as ventilation days and rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia. It discusses findings of a randomized controlled trial on the effect of ETT scraping on the duration of mechanical ventilation, time to first spontaneous breathing trial, hospital stay and occurrence of ventilator-associated events.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different cleaning procedures for customized laser-microtextured titanium abutments. A total of 20 customized laser-microtextured abutments were randomized into four groups: no cleaning (control group), ultrasonic treatments + autoclave cycle (group 1), ultrasonic treatments + argon plasma (group 2), and only argon plasma (group 3). Surface contaminants were assessed through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy microanalysis. In the control group, 99.96% of the abutment surfaces were contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. Group 3 showed the second highest contamination percentage, with almost 23% of the analyzed surfaces polluted. Samples in groups 1 and 2 were almost clean, with negligible traces of microparticles (0.009% and 0.047% of the surfaces were contaminated, respectively). These results were statistically significant for differences between control and test groups, and between groups 1 and 2 in comparison to 3 (P < .001). Abutment decontamination with argon plasma alone might not be as effective on laser-microtextured surfaces as other cleaning protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis-B and C is currently a major health problem all over the world including Pakistan. All beauty treatments including manicures are used by many people and can be a risk factor because of sharing of contaminated instruments. Proper sterilization needs to be achieved by an autoclave. Our study was conducted to know the awareness and safe practices of Hepatitis-B and C prevention and transmission by beauty salon workers in Karachi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed from February 2021- July 2021 among workers of women’s beauty salons across Karachi. Validated questioners were distributed and were filled in the presence of research worker. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Workers who scored ≥ 70% were considered to have adequate knowledge. Results: Our results showed that out of 261 participants, 240 (92.3%) were females. 49(18.8%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-B, 63(24.1%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-C. 111(42.5%) had adequate practices. According to the independent T test, there was statistically significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-B and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.022), hepatitis-B vaccination and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.006). We also found significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-C and knowledge of hepatitis-C (p=0.019), also between previous blood test performed for hepatitis antibodies and knowledge about hepatitis-B and C. On Uni-Variate logistic regression we found that males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.152). We also found that participants who have Hepatitis-B family history, have more likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge (OR=1.874) and males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-B knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.212). Only 45(17.2%) workers were fully vaccinated with Hepatitis-B and 126(48.3%) had knowledge of adequate sterilization technique of equipment’s. Conclusion: This study showed that overall awareness among workers of women beauty salon in Karachi about Hepatitis-B and C is inadequate with low vaccination rates. There is dire need to organize awareness programs with mass vaccination campaigns for safe practices and to curb viral transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Inactivation processes using heat are widely used for disinfection and sterilization. Dry heat sterilization of spacecraft equipment has been the preferred microbial inactivation method as part of interplanetary travel protection strategies. An antimicrobial model, based on temperature and exposure time based on experimental data, was developed to provide reliable sterilization processes to be used for interplanetary applications. Methods and Results: Bacillus atrophaeus spores, traditionally used to challenge dry heat sterilization processes, were tested over a range of temperatures in comparison with spores of Bacillus canaveralius that have been shown to have a higher heat resistance profile. D‐value and Z‐values were determined and used to develop a mathematical model for parametric sterilization applications. The impact of the presence of a contaminating soil, representative of Mars dust, was also tested to verify the practical application of the model to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in such environments. Conclusion: The sterilization model developed can be used as an intrinsic part of risk reduction strategies for interplanetary protection. Significance and Impact: Forward and backward planetary protection strategies to reduce the risks of microbial contamination during interplanetary exploration and research is an important consideration. The development of a modern sterilization model, with consideration of microorganisms identified with higher levels of heat resistance than traditionally deployed in terrestrial applications, allows for the consideration of optimal inactivation processes to define minimum criteria for engineering design. The ability to inactivate living microorganisms, as well as to degrade biomolecules, provides a reliable method to reduce the risk of known and potentially unknown contaminants in future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there is no consensus regarding the best skin disinfection technique, whatever antiseptic solution is used, the "prep and drape" portion of most upper extremity procedures requires the presence of at least one operative room assistant or scrub nurse to elevate and hold the hand and forearm. Nonetheless, especially in a busy hand surgery practice and during fast procedures, an operative room assistant or scrub nurse are frequently not available leading to a reduced time efficiency between procedures. Purpose: This article describes an innovative easy-to-use and hands-free device that helps the surgeon during disinfection of the skin and the setup of the surgical field by keeping elevated the upper limb with respect for tissues. Methods: The development of the surgical arm holder starts from three easily available and washable thermoplastic splint sheets 40 × 60 cm with 2.5 cm thickness. The final device measures 40 × 25 × 15 cm and is placed underneath the proximal third of the humerus in order to keep the upper limb suspended at about 10–15 cm from the operating table. A retrospective analysis of the "surgical malpractice claims" and institutional non-conformities registered in the period 2011–2020 was conducted in our Hospital looking for bone or soft tissue complications related to the use of the device. Results: Three thousand one hundred eighty-seven surgical procedures were performed between 2011 and 2020 using this device. The retrospective analysis of all "surgical malpractice claims" showed no skin lesions, no neurological complications (such as neuroapraxia), no need for secondary bone procedures or interference with the draping process. Conclusion: Our device proved to be a low-cost, easy to use and alternative solution helping surgeons during the disinfection phase, improving hospital pre-operative flow and reducing the need for other staff members to be engaged in holding the upper limb in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have purchased more ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection devices than in previous years. This article discusses the safety and efficacy of UVC disinfection in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental personnel are ranked among the highest risk occupations for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to their close proximity to the patient's mouth and many aerosol generating procedures encountered in dental practice. One method to reduce aerosols in dental settings is the use of intraoral evacuation systems. Intraoral evacuation systems are placed directly into a patient's mouth and maintain a dry field during procedures by capturing liquid and aerosols. Although multiple intraoral dental evacuation systems are commercially available, the efficacy of these systems is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of four dental evacuation systems at mitigating aerosol exposures during simulated ultrasonic scaling and crown preparation procedures. We conducted real-time respirable (PM4) and thoracic (PM10) aerosol sampling during ultrasonic scaling and crown preparation procedures while using four commercially available evacuation systems: a high-volume evacuator (HVE) and three alternative intraoral systems (A, B, C). Four trials were conducted for each system. Respirable and thoracic mass concentrations were measured during procedures at three locations including (1) near the breathing zone (BZ) of the dentist, (2) edge of the dental operatory room approximately 0.9 m away from the mannequin mouth, and (3) hallway supply cabinet located approximately 1.5 m away from the mannequin mouth. Respirable and thoracic mass concentrations measured during each procedure were compared with background concentrations measured in each respective location. Use of System A or HVE reduced thoracic (System A) and respirable (HVE) mass concentrations near the dentist's BZ to median background concentrations most often during the ultrasonic scaling procedure. During the crown preparation, use of System B or HVE reduced thoracic (System B) and respirable (HVE or System B) near the dentist's BZ to median background concentrations most often. Although some differences in efficacy were noted during each procedure and aerosol size fraction, the difference in median mass concentrations among evacuation systems was minimal, ranging from 0.01 to 1.48 µg/m3 across both procedures and aerosol size fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there is no clear evidence to support the traditional assumption that dwell times of up to six hours negatively impact the cleaning of surgical instruments in the washerdisinfector (WD) when these are transported in a dry state from the operating room (OR) to the Reprocessing Unit for Medical Devices (RUMED). To investigate this, instruments soiled during actual use were therefore stored in a RUMED for defined periods of time prior to automated cleaning and, using the BCA method, were inspected for residual protein after cleaning. The results show that the amounts of protein residues detected after cleaning rose in line with increasing dwell times. Since in everyday RUMED practices the cleaning performance of the WD and other influencing factors differ or vary, it is not possible to formulate a generally valid rule for the length of the dwell times including dry transportation. However, the specific rules of each RUMED must be taken into account during validation and requalification and must always be backed up by routine checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review was based on articles published on different types of solar autoclaves used to sterilize the medical instruments. The present paper analysis the various types of solar thermal technologies and the materials used for manufacture. The operating conditions (temperature and pressure) of steam sterilizer used, the climatic conditions as well as the health center where the prototype was tested and installed were also investigated. It emerged from the revised articles that steam sterilizers are part of the systems in which solar thermal energy was used since the 1970s. Conventional solar thermal technologies were the first to be used in solar autoclave prototypes. Due to the high cost of these collectors, several researchers have invested in the design of new prototypes both solar collectors and sterilizers, based on less expensive materials. It has also observed that solar autoclave can hold a pressure steam of 0.10 MPa keeping the internal temperature at 121–140 °C for about 15–20 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A look at the importance of professional manual cleaning brushes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicky Varney discusses the importance of automated and validated infection control protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]