Infection Control · single question

According to CDC guidelines, what is an appropriate method for disinfecting dental impressions?

  1. Immersion in 1:10 diluted sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes
  2. Soaking in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds
  3. Rinsing with water only
  4. Autoclaving the impression
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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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