Decontamination Science

Question 1

what is the USER defined as in dentistry decontamination?

Answer 1

the person designated by management to be responsible for the steriliser/washer-disinfector
- this may be the dentist or dental nurse

Question 2

what legislation bounds the dental practitioner to perform good health and safety?

Answer 2

• SDCEP
• health and safety at work guidance

Question 3

what are the stages in the life-cycle of re-useable surgical instruments?

Answer 3

• cleaning
• disinfection
• inspection
• packaging
• sterilisation
• transport
• storage
• use
• transport

Question 4

what are the steps in the chain of infection?

Answer 4

1. the infectious agent
2. the reservoir
3. the portal of exit
4. the mode of transmission
5. the portal of entry
6. the susceptible host

Question 5

what type of organism is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?

Answer 5

a gram negative basilica, that has a surrounding capsule made up of polysaccharide material

Question 6

What is the function of the capsule surrounding pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 6

slows or inhibits penetration of antibiotics & disinfectants

Question 7

what is an example of a virulence factor of pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 7

• capsule protection

Question 8

what are carbapenemase- producing organism enzmes?

Answer 8

organisms that fuel antibiotics resistance