Evaluation of a new antiseptic-containing alginate impression material

A comparison was made of the disinfection achieved in impressions taken in Blueprint Asept alginate impression material and those taken in the plain brand of this material disinfected by immersion in 1% Hycolin solution for one minute. The plain Blueprint impression material without disinfection was used as a control. Impressions were taken of dies which had been contaminated with 0.75 ml of saliva from each of 20 volunteers. The surfaces of the impressions were used to inoculate Wilkins-Chalgren agar plates immediately and after 1 and 2 hours' storage of the impressions. The number of organisms recovered from the surface of the Blueprint Asept impressions was 1.5% of the control immediately after removal from the dies and complete disinfection was observed within one hour. In contrast, the number of organisms recovered from the surface of the impressions disinfected with 1% Hycolin solution was 30% of the control immediately after disinfection, and viable organisms could still be recovered after 2 hours' storage. Blueprint Asept impression material appears, therefore, to provide a high degree of disinfection when compared with the plain material treated with 1% Hycolin solution for one minute.