CLEAN IT UP
What is the main purpose of cleaning instruments before sterilization?
To remove debris/organic material from the instruments.
What happens first after contaminated instruments leave the treatment room: cleaning, packaging, or sterilization?
Cleaning. (After safe transport to the processing area.)
What should you do with a sterilization pouch that has a tear in it?
Repackage/reprocess the instrument; do not use the compromised package.
What type of gloves should be used when manually handling contaminated instruments during processing?
Utility gloves.
A sterilization pouch has a hole. Use it or don't use it?
Don't use it.
What piece of equipment uses sound waves/cavitation to help remove debris from dental instruments?
Ultrasonic cleaner.
What step comes immediately before packaging: cleaning/inspection or storage?
Cleaning/inspection.
Why are instruments packaged before sterilization?
To allow sterilization while helping maintain sterility after processing until use.
Why aren't regular patient-care examination gloves the best choice for cleaning contaminated instruments?
They do not provide the same puncture/chemical protection as heavy-duty utility gloves.
You find visible debris on an instrument after cleaning. Package it or reclean it?
Reclean it.
True or False: An instrument that has completed an ultrasonic cleaning cycle is sterile.
False
Put these in order: Packaging, Cleaning, Sterilization
Cleaning → Packaging → Sterilization.
An instrument punctures through its pouch while being packaged. What should happen?
Replace the damaged pouch and properly repackage the instrument.
Should contaminated instruments be carried openly in your hands from the treatment room?
No.
Someone says, "The ultrasonic sterilizes the instruments." What is wrong with this statement?
The ultrasonic cleaner cleans instruments; it does not sterilize them.
After cleaning, you notice dried material remaining on an explorer. What should you do next?
Reclean the instrument before packaging and sterilization.
Put these in the correct order: Storage, Cleaning, Transport, Sterilization, Packaging.
Transport → Cleaning → Packaging → Sterilization → Storage.
A processed package falls onto a wet countertop. Should it be used for a patient? Why or why not?
No. The package has been compromised and should be reprocessed.
How should contaminated instruments be transported to the instrument-processing area?
In an appropriate covered, puncture-resistant/leak-resistant container according to the office procedure.
A coworker puts contaminated instruments on the same counter where clean instruments are being packaged. What principle has been violated?
Separation of contaminated and clean areas/one-directional workflow.
Explain why sterilizing an instrument without adequately cleaning it first is a problem.
Remaining debris can interfere with the sterilization process; instruments must be thoroughly cleaned before sterilization. Debris can also fix to the instrument.
A contaminated mouth mirror has just been removed from the treatment room. Describe its journey until it is ready for another patient.
Safe transport → cleaning → rinse/dry/inspect → package → sterilize → dry/cool as appropriate → proper storage.
An instrument looks perfectly clean but is sitting unpackaged in a drawer. Can you assume it is sterile? Explain.
No. Appearance alone cannot verify that an instrument has been properly sterilized and maintained in a sterile condition.
An instrument falls into a container with several contaminated sharp instruments. Why should you NOT reach into the container to retrieve it?
It creates a significant risk of a sharps injury and exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.
A package comes out of processing the integrator didn't change but the indicator changed. Your coworker says, "It went through the cycle, so we can put it away." What should you tell them?
It should not be placed into sterile storage or used; it is not considered sterile.