PURPOSE: To analyze the cleaning effectiveness of one type of instrument washer available for use in a dental office. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental instruments were heavily contaminated with blood and specific test bacteria. They were placed in cleaning baskets or within instrument cassettes, processed through the instrument washer, and analyzed for remaining blood and viable bacteria. RESULTS: Information obtained indicated that the washer is an effective cleaning system for dental instruments.
PURPOSE: To analyze the cleaning effectiveness of one type of instrument washer available for use in a dental office. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental instruments were heavily contaminated with blood and specific test bacteria. They were placed in cleaning baskets or within instrument cassettes, processed through the instrument washer, and analyzed for remaining blood and viable bacteria. RESULTS: Information obtained indicated that the washer is an effective cleaning system for dental instruments.