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[Use of a microwave device for dental instrument sterilization: possibilities and limitations]
L Tarantino1, E Tomassini, S Petti
1Istituto di Igiene G. Sanarelli, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Roma.
Background:
The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effectiveness as sterilizer of a modified version of a microwave device, which was previously tested by the same authors and found unsatisfactory.
Materials And Methods:
Dental mirrors were contaminated by 10(4)-10(9) microorganisms of Stapbylococcus aureus and spores of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus stearothermophilus. The inocula used were both wet and dry. The duration of the treatment was 4 minutes. Three series of tests were made: 1) microwaves and "adjuvant" solution (as suggested by the producer of the device); 2) microwaves only (in place of the "adjuvant" solution, a Na Cl 0.9% was used); 3) "adjuvant" solution only (into an oven at 25 degrees C).
Results:
In the 1st and 3rd series of tests all the microorganisms and the spores were killed. In the 2nd series of tests a bactericidal effect against some, not all, microorganisms of the S. aureus species and against spores of B. subtilis and B. stearothermophilus was found.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that the device tested has a sterilizing activity, which, however, is not due to the activity of microwaves only; but to the combined activity of microwaves, "adjuvant" solution and temperature (since inside the device, at the end of the treatment the temperature on the mirrors was 94 degrees C).
Insights
This study evaluated a modified microwave sterilizer. The device achieved sterilization when using its adjuvant solution and microwaves, but not with microwaves alone, highlighting the importance of the combined approach for effective sterilization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sterilization Techniques
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Dental instrument sterilization is critical for infection control.
- Previous microwave sterilization devices have shown limitations.
- Evaluating novel sterilization methods is essential for healthcare settings.
Purpose:
- To assess the sterilizing efficacy of a modified microwave device.
- To determine the contribution of microwaves, adjuvant solution, and temperature to sterilization.
- To compare the effectiveness of different sterilization conditions.
Summary:
- Dental mirrors were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spores.
- Three test series were conducted: microwaves with adjuvant solution, microwaves with saline, and adjuvant solution alone at 25°C.
- Complete sterilization was achieved with microwaves and adjuvant solution, and with adjuvant solution alone; partial efficacy was noted with microwaves and saline.
Impact:
- The modified microwave device demonstrates sterilizing activity when used with its specific adjuvant solution and heat.
- Microwaves alone are insufficient for complete sterilization of dental instruments.
- This research informs the development of effective sterilization protocols for medical devices.