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In part two of her feature on dental unit water lines, Carmel Maher describes a highly e ective system that will virtually eliminate bacteria

DENTAL UNIT WATERLINES

solution into hypochlorus acid, which is reported to be many times more effective than hypochlorite (bleach), when used as a biocide.1 The super-oxidised solution2 successfully reduces the level of colony forming units (CFUs) in water, from thousands to virtually zero. A neatly designed generator (Figure 1), enables this conversion to take place, using electrolysis. The Sterilox generator can be sited on any convenient worktop, and allows the immediate dispensing of Sterilox solution on demand.

InfectIon contRoL

he previous article in this series looked at the potential dangers attached to the use of contaminated water in the dental surgery. The subject of DUWL contamination has received much attention in recent years and several research papers and clinical articles have highlighted the risks to patients, clinicians and practice staff. This article will describe how Optident Sterilox can provide potable water for use in dental unit water lines that use closed bottle systems. Optident Sterilox is a safe and fast acting effective broad spectrum biocide. It is produced by the conversion of an electrolytic

In use
Sterilox is a completely safe solution, and does not involve the use of any toxic chemicals. Being non-irritant and non-aggressive, it is not harmful when in contact with the skin. It does not require the use of additional protective clothing, eyewear or equipment and there are no special precautions attached to its disposal. When using Sterilox in DUWLs, it should be diluted with tap water, (min 2% Sterilox / 98% water). It can then be used in closed bottle dental unit water supplies, initially as
Figure 1: The Optident Sterilox generator

Figure 2: Filling closed bottle water supply with Sterilox solution

Carmel Maher is a fully-trained infection control advisor, and has worked with dental practice teams for over seven years. She has a wealth of knowledge covering virtually all aspects of infection control and runs courses on behalf of Optident.

a purging agent and afterwards as a method of maintaining a clean, potable water supply (Figure 2). To achieve successful initial purging of already contaminated DUWLs, it is recommended that concentrated, non-diluted Sterilox solution be used. Sterilox is extremely versatile, and can be used as a disinfecting solution, in which conventional dental impressions can safely be immersed without any adverse effects to their surface or overall stability. A 10% solution can be used, and impressions should remain immersed for 10 minutes (Figures 3 and 4). The solution is also effective as a hard surface disinfecting agent and can be used in much the same way as proprietary disinfectants.

In tHe suRGeRY
To create the Sterilox solution, the generator must first be filled with the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution has been

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Figure 3: Dispensing Sterilox solution from collection vessel into impression disinfection bath

Figure 5: Depressing the panel switch on the generator to deliver Sterilox solution into collection vessel

Figure 4: Impressions immersed in bath of a diluted Sterilox solution

specifically developed for dental use, and is the only one that should be used. A one gallon container will provide sufficient Sterilox to fill approximately 175-250 DUWL bottles. Having filled the generator, it is only necessary to depress the panel switch at the front of the generator to produce Sterilox solution immediately (Figure 5). Conversion is effected by use of a proprietary electrochemical cell within the generator (Figure 1). The solution is then collected in a calibrated plastic container, which can assist in measuring correct dilution levels. It is recommended that the strength of the Sterilox solution be checked regularly using test strips that are dipped into the solution. These are similar to litmus paper and can be checked against a colour comparison chart that will indicate the strength of the solution. To measure the effectiveness of Sterilox in reducing bacterial contamination, it is suggested that use be made of dip slides. These are available from Optident and allow a simple before and after check to be made of the water quality. Initial checking of DUWL water supplies will invariably show a heavy colony forming

unit (CFU) presence, but after initial purging and routine use of Sterilox in the system, they will show virtual elimination of CFUs after only a few weeks. By using Sterilox dental practitioners can be assured that they can virtually eliminate the risks that are attached to the use of

contaminated water supplies in their dental units, therefore contributing to a safer working environment for patients, clinicians and dental practice staff.

RefeRences
1. Hypochlorus Acid - a new potential for Dentistry, Martin, MV, Dept. of Clinical Dental Sciences, Univ. of Liverpool, Dentistry, Nov 2003 2. Martin MV, Gallagher MA. An investigation of the efficacy of superoxidised (Optident Sterilox) water for the disinfection of dental unit water lines, British Dental Journal, March, 2005:198(6) 353-354.

For detailed information on Sterilox, please contact Optident Ltd: 01943 605050 sales@optident.co.uk www.optident.co.uk
To ask a question or comment on this article please send an email to: comments@ppdentistry.com
Figure 6: Diagram showing the proprietary electrochemical cell

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