Effect of sterilization on contaminated sponges

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Sterilization Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Sponges are common storage for endodontic files.
• Sterilization effectiveness for these sponges is under-researched.
• Ensuring sterility is vital for infection control in dental practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of chemical vapor sterilizers (chemiclaves), steam pressure sterilizers (autoclaves), and dry heat sterilizers.
• To determine the effectiveness of sterilization on four different types of laboratory-contaminated sponges.
• To assess the impact of multiple sterilization cycles on sponge integrity.

Main Methods:

• Four sponge types (black, red, blue, yellow) were tested.
• Sponges were contaminated with Bacillus stearothermophilus spores.
• Sponges underwent 25 sterilization cycles using chemiclave, autoclave, or dry heat.
• Biological indicator strips within sponges were cultured to assess spore viability.

Main Results:

• Chemiclaving resulted in 0-30% positive cultures across sponge types.
• Autoclaving resulted in 0-3.33% positive cultures across sponge types.
• Dry heat sterilization eliminated all spores but rendered sponges unusable.
• O-Cell-O sponges were compromised by all tested sterilization methods.

Conclusions:

• Sterilization efficacy varies significantly between methods and sponge types.
• Autoclaving and chemiclaving show potential but require careful consideration of sponge material.
• Dry heat sterilization is ineffective for spore inactivation in these sponges and damages material.
• Further research is needed to identify optimal sterilization protocols for endodontic file storage sponges.