CHAPTER 15:INFECTION CONTROL AND THE DENTAL RADIOGRAPHER Flashcards
The primary purpose of infection control procedures :
PREVENT the transmission of infectious diseases
a microorganism capable of causing disease
pathogen
In the dental environment, the general routes of disease transmission can be described as follows:
direct contact with pathogens
indirect contact with contaminated objects or instruments
direct contact with airborne contaminant
For an infection to occur by one of these routes of transmission, the following three conditions must be present:
a susceptible host
a pathogen
a portal through which the pathogen enters
A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. This term is often used to describe handwashing or wound-cleansing procedures.
antiseptic
The absence of pathogens, or disease-causing microorganisms. This term is often used to describe procedures that prevent infection (e.g., aseptic technique).
asepsis
Pathogens present in blood that cause diseases in humans.
bloodborne pathogens
the act of disinfecting
disinfection
Use a chemical or physical procedure to inhibit or destroy pathogens. Highly resistant bacterial and mycotic (fungal) spores are not killed during disinfection procedures.
disinfect
A specific incident that involves contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials and that results from procedures performed by the dental professional.
exposure incident
Waste that consists of blood, blood products, contaminated sharps, or other microbiologic products.
infectious waste
Contact with blood or other infectious materials that involve the skin, eye, or mucous membranes and that results from procedures performed by the dental professional.
occupational exposure
exposure to blood or other infectious materials that results from piercing or puncturing the skin barrier (e.g., a needle-stick injury )
parenteral ecposure
Includes protective attire, gloves, mask, and eyewear.
PPE
Measures that include a standard of care designed to protect health care personnel and patients from pathogens that can be spread by blood or any other body fluid, excretion, or secretion.
standard precautions
The use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all pathogens, including highly resistant bacteria and mycotic spores.
sterilize
the act of sterilizing
sterilization
In dental imaging, three different types of hand hygiene may be practiced.
routine hand wash (40-60 seconds)
antiseptic hand wash
antiseptic hand rub
can be used to disinfect heat-sensitive semicritical dental instruments.
high level disinfectant
EPA-registered chemical germicides labeled as both hospital disinfectants and tuberculocidals are classified as :
Intermediate level disinfectant
recommended for all surfaces that have been contaminated
EPA-registered chemical germicides that are labeled ONLY as hospital disinfectants are classified as
low-level disinfectants
used for general housekeeping purposes
Examples of surfaces that must be covered or disinfected include the following:
x-ray machine
dental chair
work area
lead apron
The best way the dental radiographer can minimize contamination
touch as few surfaces as possible
