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Cross-contamination potential with dental equipment.

D L Lewis¹, M Arens, S S Appleton

¹Faculty of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.

Lancet (London, England)

|November 21, 1992

Summary

Reused dental handpieces can harbor and transmit viruses like hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) between patients. Thorough cleaning and heat treatment are crucial to prevent cross-contamination risks.

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Area of Science:

Infectious Diseases
Dental Public Health
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Reused dental equipment, particularly handpieces, poses a potential cross-contamination risk.
Internal mechanisms can harbor patient materials, facilitating pathogen transmission, including hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the risk of cross-contamination from reused dental handpieces and prophylaxis angles.
To determine if these devices can uptake and expel patient-derived contaminants, including viral DNA.

Main Methods:

Laboratory and clinical trials were conducted on new prophylaxis angles and high-speed handpieces.
Human-specific DNA, HIV proviral DNA, and HBV DNA were tested for in samples from devices used on patients and in contact with infected blood.

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Bacteriophage phi X174 was used as a model virus to test for viral particle recovery.

Main Results:

Human DNA and HIV DNA were detected within and expelled from handpieces during patient treatments.
HBV DNA was found in handpieces and attached hoses after contact with infected blood.
Infective bacteriophage particles were recovered from internal mechanisms, hoses, and expelled water spray.

Conclusions:

Reused dental handpieces and prophylaxis angles can transmit infectious agents.
Effective cleaning and heat treatment between patients are recommended to mitigate transmission risks.
Further research is needed to address contamination risks from exhaust and air/water lines.