World Journal of Dentistry

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VOLUME 10 , ISSUE 4 ( July-August, 2019 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Efficacy of Infection Control Barrier on Cross Contamination and its Effect on the Intensity Variation

Devarasa G Murugeshappa, Swarna Y Math, Dheeraj Kalra, Wong H Zhang, Lyster E Loo, Hii L Ming

Keywords : Bacterial contamination, Cling films, Cross-infection control, Light-curing unit, Sleeves, Wrapping

Citation Information : Murugeshappa DG, Math SY, Kalra D, Zhang WH, Loo LE, Ming HL. Efficacy of Infection Control Barrier on Cross Contamination and its Effect on the Intensity Variation. World J Dent 2019; 10 (4):285-290.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1647

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-04-2014

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: To compare and assess the level of infection control provided by a cling film against a sleeve and their impact on the light intensity level of dental light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs). Materials and methods: A sleeve and a cling film of proprietary brands were compared on their reduction of light output and bacterial colonies on agar plates. Including a control group, 120 samples of analog radiometer readings were obtained. A total of 90 samples, including 10 each for positive and negative controls, were obtained in a laboratory setting via swabbing of light-guiding tips placed intraorally. These swabbings were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar in a biological cabinet and cultured for 48 hours at 37°C; the inoculated surfaces were photographed and analyzed for area of coverage by bacterial colonies. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: There is neither statistically significant reduction in output nor difference in output between either barriers (p > 0.05). There is statistically significant reduction in bacterial colonies on the inoculated surface by both barriers compared to no barrier (p < 0.01), but there is no statistically significant difference between the two barriers (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both barriers do not significantly affect light output and are equally efficacious as cross-contamination barriers, and the choice lies with the operator. Clinical significance: Use of barriers is very important to prevent cross-infection control. The results of our study help the clinician select appropriate measures to prevent cross infection while using LCUs across the patients.


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