Ishmael Essay Award winner. Infection control and the extent of contamination of dental charts

J Okla Dent Assoc. 1997 Summer;87(5):30-3.

Abstract

The associations between dental charts and the probability of cross-contamination were examined by swabbing contaminated charts and plating the specimens on agar medium to be analyzed. Laboratory analysis of the agar plates revealed, that out of the twenty-one charts tested, fifteen were positive for bacterial growth, therefore, contaminated charts are a viable vector for cross-contamination. Further barrier techniques need to be implemented, which in turn would decrease the contamination potential for the spread of infection.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / transmission
  • Culture Media
  • Dental Records*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control, Dental*
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Culture Media