Sök artiklar i SveMed+

Tidskrift

Sammanfattning

We have previously reported an 8 year-study on the prevalence of heterotrophic microorganisms in the water of dental units (DUWL) in clinics at the Dental School (CDS) in Umeå and the Public Dental Clinics (PDC) in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. The purpose was determine whether a recommendation for microbial quality of water in DUWL should be in accordance with the guidelines of the National Food Agency, Sweden for drinking water (less than 100 heterotrophic microorganisms per milliliter (cfu/mL) drinking water). Between 2007– 2014, 2 816 water samples were analyzed, and on average 92 percent from CDS contained high quality water, whilst corresponding figures from PDC only achieved 67 percent. Here we present a 2-year following-up study (2015–2016) consisting of 542 samples. More than 91 percent of the samples from CDS remained on highly acceptable levels and PDC increased to 86 percent. The reasons for the improvement are discussed. However, problems remain at certain clinics, which may be explained, in part, by ignorance of following the recommendations for yearly sampling. Disinfection with Aquatabs (NADCC-tablets) to generate an appropriate pH-neutral antimicrobial solution, has been utilized at CDS for more than 35 years and when applied correctly neither clogged the DUWL nor corrosided the dental instruments. Testing the water quality of DUWL of newly delivered equipment revealed heavy contamination with the opportunistic pathogens Cupriavidus metallidurans and Sphingomonas parapaucimobilis. After disinfection according to instructions, all the samples showed ≤ 100 cfu/mL. Decontamination should always be carried out before a new dental unit is used in patient care. The results show that adaptability to hygiene routines and a functional purification plant that is regularly checked and service, will supply good quality water. Further, experience indicates that a periodical reminder in the form of a check-list facilitates the controls.

MeSH