Infection Control · single question
After taking an alginate impression, what is the FIRST step to perform before pouring the model?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Rinse with water
The correct post-alginate sequence is: (1) Rinse with cool water to remove blood, saliva, and debris; (2) Disinfect (spray with an approved disinfectant, then place in a sealed bag); (3) Pour within the recommended time (alginate is dimensionally unstable — pour within 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on type). Rinsing comes first because you cannot effectively disinfect a soiled surface.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Rinse with cool water first to remove blood and saliva, then disinfect before pouring.
- B. ❌ Drying with compressed air distorts alginate impressions — never dry an alginate impression.
- C. ❌ Disinfection comes after rinsing — disinfectants are less effective on organic debris.
- D. ❌ Pouring without rinsing would incorporate contaminants into the stone model.
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