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An investigation of the decontamination of Siqveland matrix bands
C L Whitworth1, K Davies, N O A Palmer
1Hoghton Street Dental Practice, 22 Hoghton Street, Southport, UK. cwblackadder@btinternet.com
Objectives:
This study investigated blood contamination of artificially and clinically contaminated Siqveland matrix bands and retainers. A modified version of the recognised Kastle-Meyer test for blood was used to compare the efficacy of enzymatic agents, a washer-disinfector and an instrument washer for pre-sterilisation cleaning of Siqveland matrix bands and retainers.
Methods:
Assembled Siqveland matrix bands were contaminated either artificially with horse blood or clinically during dental treatment. Contaminated assembled matrix bands and retainers were subjected to immersion in an enzymatic agent, automated processing in a washer-disinfector or instrument washer, or a combination of pre-soaking and automatic cleaning. Residual blood contamination from each band and retainer was measured and compared to the volume of blood recovered from an unprocessed control group of contaminated assembled matrix bands or retainers.
Results:
Residual blood was recovered from every clinically contaminated assembled Siqveland matrix band and retainer. The volume of blood recovered from assembled Siqveland matrix bands ranged from 0.13-7.1 microl and from retainers, following removal of the matrix band, from 0.001-1.523 microl. The most effective method of pre-sterilisation cleaning for artificially contaminated assembled matrix bands was processing in the washer-disinfector. Conversely, the most effective method for cleaning clinically contaminated assembled matrix bands and retainers was pre-soaking in an enzymatic agent followed by a heavy-duty cycle in an instrument washer.
Conclusions:
It is not possible to clean assembled Siqveland matrix bands using any method currently available to dental practitioners. Matrix bands should be discarded after use on one patient. Once the band is removed, all detectable blood can be removed from the retainer by pre-soaking in an enzymatic detergent followed by processing in an instrument washer.
Insights
Thorough cleaning of Siqveland matrix bands is not currently possible. Dental practitioners should discard matrix bands after single use to prevent blood contamination. Retainers can be effectively cleaned using enzymatic detergents and instrument washers.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Infection control in dentistry
- Medical device reprocessing
Background:
- Siqveland matrix bands and retainers are used in dental procedures.
- Effective cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments are crucial for infection control.
- Previous studies have evaluated cleaning methods for various dental instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of different pre-sterilization cleaning methods for Siqveland matrix bands and retainers.
- To compare the effectiveness of enzymatic agents, washer-disinfectors, and instrument washers in removing blood contamination.
- To assess the possibility of cleaning assembled Siqveland matrix bands and retainers.
Main Methods:
- Artificial and clinical contamination of Siqveland matrix bands and retainers with blood.
- Application of enzymatic agents, washer-disinfectors, and instrument washers for cleaning.
- Measurement of residual blood contamination using a modified Kastle-Meyer test.
- Comparison of cleaning methods against an unprocessed control group.
Main Results:
- Residual blood was detected on all clinically contaminated Siqveland matrix bands and retainers.
- Washer-disinfector processing was most effective for artificially contaminated bands.
- Enzymatic pre-soaking followed by instrument washing was most effective for clinically contaminated bands and retainers.
- Significant blood volumes (0.13-7.1 microl for bands, 0.001-1.523 microl for retainers) remained after cleaning.
Conclusions:
- Current cleaning methods are insufficient for assembled Siqveland matrix bands.
- Siqveland matrix bands should be considered single-use items.
- Siqveland retainers can be effectively cleaned after band removal using enzymatic pre-soaking and instrument washing.
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