Chairside disinfection of radiographs

Routine disinfection of materials that have contacted human blood products and body fluids during patient care is recommended by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surface disinfection with sodium hypochlorite would be an effective means for disinfection of radiographic film packets used in chairside developers. Disinfection of exposed radiographic film packets for 30 seconds in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite has been found to be a simple procedure suitable for routine use. A suggested disinfection protocol for the use of chairside developing boxes is described. This procedure should be considered for adoption as an infection control guideline.