Best Practices for Disinfection and Asepsis in Radiographic Procedures

Proper disinfection of and asepsis with technology — including radiologic equipment — is vital to delivering safe dental care. Although radiographic duties are considered noninvasive procedures, the risk of cross contamination exists because of contact with patient’s saliva, blood, and high-touch surfaces.1-5 Typical infection control compliance failures with technology include improper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.6
The potential for disease transmission when performing intraoral radiographic procedures is possible due to the close contact and potential exposure to coughing, gagging, and vomiting.7-9 Proper hand hygiene and full personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, mask, protective eyewear, and gloves, are required while performing radiography duties.4,5, 7
Figure 1 outlines the events in the chain of infection as well as the events in the chain of asepsis to prevent cross contamination.10 Oral health professionals should break the chain of infection while maintaining the chain of asepsis during the course of patient treatment.
* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.
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