Page 41 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

Proper handling of contaminated film is important for effective infection control. After the film is exposed, place on a paper towel or in a disposable cup. Cover or replace the contaminated gloves when you get to the film processing area to not contaminate surfaces within the darkroom. Most plastic-covered film and film pouches in use today can be disinfected without harming the film. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for disinfection of film.
In the darkroom, the clinician who is wearing fresh gloves or still wearing over gloves should peel open each film and spill it out of its wrapping onto a flat surface. After doing this with all exposed film, remove and dispose of wrapping then remove and dispose of contaminated gloves and place film into the processor slot or film holder for developing. Once the films are loaded into the processor, infection-control problems are at a minimum because neither developer nor fixer promotes microbial survival or growth. Discard all contaminated materials including gloves, cups, and film covers. Films, holders, and other items placed in the mouth must be disinfected or preferably sterilized after each use.
When an automatic film processor with daylight loader is used, contamination of the fabric light shield is likely to be a problem. The bite holder required on some panoramic x-ray units should be autoclaved if possible. If heat sterilization is not possible, clean it thoroughly with soap and water and use an EPA-registered disinfectant and chemical sterilant according to the manufacturer’s directions. Rinse thoroughly after disinfection. When replacing bite holder, order autoclavable units.
When using digital radiographic sensors, the sensor device is covered with an impervious barrier prior to placement intraorally.
Intro Page - 41
Introductory Chapter: Dental Practice Act, Infection Control and Cal-OSHA
The California RDAEF: A Compendium for Licensure Success © The Foundation for Allied Dental Education, Inc. 2016 Copyright protected. All rights reserved