• Always ensure the bur has been removed prior to beginning the cleaning process .
• Remove any attachments .
• Clean the exterior parts of the handpiece using a soft bristle brush and neutral ph detergent . Some handpieces require brushing under running tap water .
• Handpieces contain fiber bundles and electrical components . Do not immerse them in water or put them in an ultrasonic machine unless the IFU recommends it .
• Rinse the handpiece .
• Tap dry the handpiece .
Internal cleaning , lubrications , and purge
After manual cleaning , all internal parts of the handpiece must also be cleaned . Carefully read the IFU to ensure the proper steps are followed . The desirable process for internal cleaning is using an automated maintenance machine . These automated systems can efficiently process one to four handpieces at a time . Each step of the process is timed , and the steps are always performed in the same sequence . The inner components of the handpiece are flushed with a disinfecting solution . Then , there are lubrication and purge steps to remove excess liquid from the internal parts of the handpiece .
When performing this process manually with sprays and lubricants , we should be extremely diligent about following the necessary steps . It ’ s important to have a timer available to ensure that every handpiece is sprayed for the required length of time .
Remove excess lubricant
Dry the handpiece thoroughly to remove any excess lubricant . Place it on a dry towel for a couple of minutes before it is pouched for sterilization . This will ensure that the pouch does not get compromised with oil .
Inspect
Thorough inspection is necessary . Inspect the head and body of the handpiece for debris or residual amalgam ( the white substance used to fill cavities ). Inspect the tubes to ensure they are not loose or damaged . These tubes connect to the hose at the dental chair and if damaged , the handpiece will not work properly . If there are any screws , ensure they are tight and not properly secured to the handpiece . Remove any marking tape that is brittle as it harbors bacteria and impedes the sterilization process .
Packaging
Dental handpieces can be packaged in sterilization pouches ; however , an appropriate size pouch must be selected . The pouch should have enough volume to allow proper air evacuation and sterilant penetration without tears during the sterilization process . Be sure to add an integrator . To seal the pouch , fold the adhesive strip and smooth it over to remove any air gaps . Make sure to include the correct component for each handpiece . Just like in the operating room , errors are not tolerated for dental procedures . A variety of metal and sterilizable plastic cassettes are available for handpieces . This type of packaging must be wrapped using a disposable validated single step or a sequential wrap .
Sterilize
The sterilization parameters for each handpiece in your inventory must match its respective IFU . This is the advantage of standardizing the inventory with handpieces that use the same sterilization cycles used in your SPD . The lot control labels must be readable and accurate to be able to recall devices in the event of sterilization failure . The sterile storage must be cleaned and free of dust , vermin , and shipping boxes . Review AMMI ST79 Sterile Storage section for specific guidelines .
During an accreditation survey , the surveyor can go to your sterile storage area , select a few handpieces , and request to see their sterilization records and IFUs . If records reveal that a handpiece was sterilized at a lower parameter than those required by the IFU , your department could be cited with an “ immediate threat to life ” violation .
In conclusion , reprocessing dental handpieces in a hospital might seem like a different process from a clinic , but for sterile processing professionals , it ’ s more medical devices to clean , inspect , package , and sterilize . To make the transition successful , SPDs should provide adequate training for technicians and follow IFU instructions . SPDs should also seek support and guidance from dental clinic customers when learning new reprocessing procedures . By following these steps , SPDs can help eliminate errors and prevent accreditation survey citations . Most importantly , these steps are essential to keeping patients — whether they ’ re in the operating room or the dental chair — safe . Placing the customer first is the key to success .
Mary Olivera , MHA , CRCST , CHL , FCS , has actively participated in the monitoring , surveying and training interdepartmental staff in the proper cleaning , decontamination and sterilization practices and has been highly committed to the standardization of interdepartmental processes . Currently , she is the president and CEO for OSPECS Consulting , LLC . a company dedicated to facilitating process re-engineering in healthcare organizations .
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • september 2021
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