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cleaning phase is complete, the machine drains to waste outlet to prevent any damage from residual detergent. The thermal stage starts by
further elevating the tempera- ture, typically to just over 90°C, possibly lower if the manufacturer has selected a longer ‘hold’ time. Drying is then applied to the instruments by several methods, but to keep cycle times to a minimum, the preferred method is by forcing hot air into the chamber in conjunction with a built-in condenser which removes the majority of moisture with just a minimal ingress into the decontamination room. When looking to purchase
a thermo-washer disin- fector, please be aware of the medical standards and guid- ance demanded of the thermo washer disinfector manufac- turers, not applicable to a
“It is important that the dental team follow a strict cross-infection regime in accordance with current
infection control guidelines” Malcolm Card
domestic appliance. These are necessary as the machine has to reliably and reproducibly process contaminated items in a medical environment. The cycle must be monitored at all stages and a printed or data record stored for the required period.
Specialist machines have the
facility to process a quantity of handpieces using specially designed racks that force water through the narrow lumens. This should be supplied as standard with a range of appro- priate racks and baskets. While it may not be current advice
in your area, it is prudent to purchase a machine that has such facilities to maximise your investment and fully future-proof your practice. If appropriate racks are not supplied as standard, it is advisable to check that they are available as a retro-fit option in the event that guidance changes. As with any equipment
purchase, your chosen manu- facturer’s representative will be able to advise you on product specifications and whether it is suitable for your requirements. Take the opportunity to
ensure that the quality of the machine satisfies your needs and it is fit for purpose. Check if it has a service and valida- tion protocol for daily and monthly testing by the user and an annual testing protocol performed by your test or service engineer. Look at the cost of consuma-
bles which should be readily available from the supplier or distributor and do not be tempted to use non- recommended detergent or accessories as they may not be validated to be effective in a dental environment or work in conjunction with the machine. There may not be national
or regional demands for automated cleaning, but by integrating a high-quality thermo-washer disinfector into your decontamination process, you will not only reduce the risk of sharps injuries to your team, but you will also be
62 Scottish Dental magazine
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