Infection Control · single question
According to CDC guidelines, what is an appropriate method for disinfecting dental impressions?
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Correct answer: A. Immersion in 1:10 diluted sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes
CDC guidelines recommend that dental impressions be rinsed with water to remove blood and saliva, then disinfected using an intermediate-level disinfectant before being sent to the dental laboratory. A 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (1:10 dilution of household bleach, approximately 5,000 ppm) is an appropriate intermediate-level disinfectant for impressions. Immersion for 10 minutes achieves adequate disinfection. Alcohol sprays (70% isopropyl alcohol) are less effective and do not achieve intermediate-level disinfection for all impression materials. Water alone is insufficient. Autoclaving distorts most impression materials and is inappropriate.
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