Maximize protection with proper instrument reprocessing
Instrument reprocessing requires a series of steps to assure that contaminated patient-care items are safe for reuse. All procedures must be performed correctly and in the proper sequence every time to make sure items are processed properly. 1
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for reprocessing (ie, cleaning, packaging, disinfecting, sterilizing) reusable dental instruments and equipment. Maintain manufacturer’s instructions in or near the reprocessing area. Use FDA-cleared devices and supplies for cleaning, packaging, and heat sterilization. 1
Instrument Reprocessing
Apply appropriate PPE when handling instruments to be reprocessed; such as masks, protective eyewear, and heavy-duty utility gloves to reduce the risk of a sharps hazard.
- Instruments should be reprocessed as soon as possible
- Instruments should be transported to the reprocessing area utilizing containers with lids for safe handling avoiding the risk of a sharps exposure
- Cleaning reduces the bioburden and removes foreign material
- Cleaning should always occur before disinfection or sterilization
- Presence of soil can compromise the disinfection or sterilization process
Sterilizers need to be monitored weekly with biological indicators to ensure proper function; A sterilization process should be verified before it is put into use in healthcare settings and this step should be completed prior to treating patients after an extended facility closure.
- Follow the unit’s IFU for daily/weekly/monthly maintenance steps
- When loading sterilizers to reprocess instruments, do not overload the unit
- Documentation of sterilization monitoring (eg, biological, mechanical, chemical) and equipment maintenance records are important components of a dental infection prevention program
- Store clean items in a dry closed or covered cabinet
- Use date- or event-related shelf-life practices
- Examine wrapped items carefully before use
- When packaging of sterile items is damaged, clean, repackage, and heat sterilize again
Devices left wet prior to sterilization, may cause risk of device corrosion.
- Wrap cassettes or package instruments in FDA approved steam sterilization pouches.
- Use an internal chemical indicator inside every package
- If the internal indicator is not visible from the outside, then also use an external indicator
- Some chemical indicators may be integrated into the package design
- Inspect indicator(s) after sterilization and at time of use
- If the appropriate color change did not occur, do not use the instruments
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1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/sterilization-index.html
*Test on file
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; October 2016.
The infection control and prevention recommendations presented in this document are in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha).
The Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), provides many resources for DHCP which may be found on their website at OSAP.org.
The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials cited in this paper are for general informational purposes only. Information in this paper may not constitute the most up-to-date advisory, legal or other information. This paper contains citations to third-party publications and websites. Such references are only for the convenience of the reader. Readers should consult their own legal and other advisors for specific information impacting their practices.
